Church vs AI: Pope Leo issues sweeping manifesto blasting artificial intelligence race

Church vs AI: Pope Leo issues sweeping manifesto blasting artificial intelligence race

Church vs AI: Pope Leo issues sweeping manifesto blasting artificial intelligence race

https://www.wionews.com/world/magnificent-humanity-pope-issues-sweeping-manifesto-blasting-ai-race-1779709844448

Publish Date: 2026-05-25 08:02:00

Source Domain: www.wionews.com

  • Pope Leo XIV calls for the “disarming” of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that AI should not drive geopolitical or commercial dominance.
  • He expressed concerns about the potential for new forms of slavery in the era of technological revolution, especially regarding AI-directed weaponry.
  • The Pope stressed that AI technologies should ultimately serve humanity in a human-friendly manner, accessible to all and open to debate.
  • He highlighted the hidden exploitation involved in AI’s development, from forced content moderation to environmental impacts and rare earth extraction by children.
  • In a significant gesture, he apologized for the Vatican’s historical role in the slave trade on behalf of the Church.
  • The encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” released on May 15, coincides with the anniversary of an influential 1891 encyclical on social doctrine.