In his inaugural encyclical, Pope Leo XIV criticized the “culture of power” driving the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the document, titled “Magnifica Humanitas” and published on Monday, the Pope asserts that this technology must be subject to the “strictest” ethical limitations.
Breaking from tradition, Leo presented the encyclical during an event in the Vatican. Encyclicals represent one of the highest forms of papal teaching to members of the Catholic Church, typically outlining the Pope’s priorities and the most crucial societal issues.
Within the document, Leo expressed deep concern regarding a “disturbing revival of war as an instrument of international politics” warning that AI contributes to the “normalization of war”. He demanded that the development and use of AI in military warfare must adhere to the strictest ethical constraints. This measure is intended to uphold human dignity, ensure the sanctity of life, and prevent the escalation of an arms race. Consequently, he called for the “disarmament” of this new technology.
