Pope Leo takes aim at normalization of war in encyclical on artificial intelligence
Pope Leo takes aim at normalization of war in encyclical on artificial intelligence
Publish Date: 2026-05-27 11:27:00
Source Domain: thedialog.org
- Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence” criticizes the normalization of war in a digital world, stressing AI’s role in enhancing war capabilities.
- He argues that the traditional just war theory is outdated and has often been misused to justify various kinds of wars, instead advocating for strict ethical constraints on AI in warfare.
- The Pope contrasts a “culture of power,” marked by polarization and violence, with St. Paul VI’s “civilization of love,” emphasizing the importance of fostering peace over conflict.
- Pope Leo highlights how current geopolitical tensions, exacerbated by digital advances and the diminishing of historical memory, contribute to a revival of warfare, highlighting the danger of forgetting lessons from past conflicts.
- He asserts that modern warfare involving AI weapons must meet ethical criteria to prevent a “new arms race” and to respect human dignity, demanding human control over lethal decisions and accountability.
- The Pope calls on all stakeholders in AI development, including scientists, business leaders, and politicians, to exercise vigilance and responsibility, stressing that peace and justice must guide technological advancements.
- He underscores the importance of prayers, dialogues, and remembering the suffering caused by war to create a “civilization of love” and to actively resist and counter the “culture of power.”
