Pope Leo’s AI Encyclical is Not (Just) About AI

Pope Leo’s AI Encyclical is Not (Just) About AI

Pope Leo’s AI Encyclical is Not (Just) About AI

https://www.jesuits.org/stories/pope-leos-ai-encyclical-is-not-just-about-ai/

Publish Date: 2026-06-29 17:42:00

Source Domain: www.jesuits.org

  • Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical letter titled “Magnifica Humanitas” in May, focusing on the impact of generative artificial intelligence on humanity.
  • The encyclical was officially released during a press conference at the Vatican, attended by Pope Leo XIV, making it unusual for a pontiff to attend.
  • Christopher Olah from Anthropic and theologian Anna Rowlands were prominent figures at the press conference.
  • Anna Rowlands delivered a 10-minute address on how the encyclical provides valuable insights into protecting human dignity and the common good in an age dominated by technology.
  • The conversation with Mike Jordan Laskey also covered the reception of the encyclical, key points in it, and a critique of generative AI’s impact on human cognition and spirituality.