Pope Leo to issue text on human dignity and AI with Anthropic co-founder

Pope Leo’s upcoming encyclical focuses on “the protection of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence”, highlighting major societal issues tied to the technological revolution.
The encyclical, titled “Magni fica Humanitas,” will address the ethical implications of AI, anticipated to include opposition to AI in warfare and emphasis on human dignity in technological advancement.
It follows a 135-year parallel with Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical addressing the Industrial Revolution, with both pontiffs focusing on protecting human rights amid major societal changes.
On its launch, the encyclical will break tradition with Pope Leo’s personal presence accompanied by lay speaker Olah of AI firm Anthropic, emphasizing strategic communication to captivate media attention.
The Vatican’s engagement with major tech firms like Microsoft, Google, indicates its seriousness about questions surrounding AI and its inclusion in Leo’s encyclical signifies a cautious approach, prioritizing the human person over technological advancements.
Leo will likely advocate for stringent regulation of AI and a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, mirroring concerns regarding workers’ rights and dignity in the context of rapid technological progress.