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Pope Leo XIV Issues Encyclical Urging AI Regulation and Ethical Use

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Pope Leo XIV published his first encyclical on May 25, 2026
  • The document calls for strong regulation of artificial intelligence
  • He addressed technology’s impact and apologized for past Church actions

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," on May 25, 2026, addressing the ethical challenges posed by new technologies including artificial intelligence.

The encyclical was signed on May 15, 2026, marking the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s "Rerum Novarum," and continues the tradition of papal engagement with societal issues shaped by technological change.

In the document, Pope Leo XIV called for comprehensive regulation of artificial intelligence systems and urged developers to prioritize the common good over financial gain. He stated that technology is never neutral and reflects the values of those involved in its creation and oversight.

The encyclical also addressed concerns about the concentration of control over AI, warning that opaque algorithms managed by a small number of companies could result in new forms of dehumanization. Pope Leo XIV called for greater transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of these systems.

What the numbers show

  • The encyclical was released on May 25, 2026
  • It was signed on May 15, 2026
  • The signing coincided with the 135th anniversary of "Rerum Novarum" from 1891

Pope Leo XIV addressed the use of artificial intelligence in military contexts, stating that AI should not be given authority over irreversible lethal decisions. He described the Church’s "just war" theory as outdated due to advances in warfare technology.

In addition to technology-related themes, the encyclical included an apology for the Church’s historical delay in condemning slavery, which Pope Leo XIV described as a "wound in Christian memory.".

The document’s approach to technology follows earlier papal interventions on media and communication. For example, Pope Pius XII issued a statement in 1957 regarding the opportunities and risks associated with emerging media such as movies, radio, and television.

Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical situates current debates on artificial intelligence within a broader historical context of the Catholic Church addressing ethical questions raised by technological developments.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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