Pope to publish encyclical on artificial intelligence May 25

Pope to publish encyclical on artificial intelligence May 25

http://www.thericatholic.com/stories/pope-to-publish-encyclical-on-artificial-intelligence-may-25,15430

Publish Date: 2026-05-21 06:00:00

Source Domain: www.thericatholic.com

• Title and Theme: Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Latin for “Magnificent Humanity”), will be published on May 25, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and the protection of human dignity.

• Historical Context: The encyclical was signed on May 15, coinciding with the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s landmark social encyclical “Rerum Novarum,” which addressed labor and capital during the first Industrial Revolution.

• Innovative Launch Event: For the first time, Pope Leo XIV will attend a Vatican press conference himself, along with AI entrepreneur Christopher Olah from Anthropic, to present the encyclical on May 25 at 11:30 a.m. local time.

• Key Contributors: The discussion at the Vatican will also include theologians such as Anna Rowlands, and members from relevant Vatican offices, including Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández and Cardinal Michael Czerny.

• Papal Stance on AI: Papal interest in AI’s implications on human dignity has been consistent since his election, emphasizing that AI must serve rather than replace human beings, and cautioning about the risks AI poses to human creativity and intellectual development.

• AI and Human Interaction: Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly stressed protecting human relationships and creativity from AI advancements, insisting that AI should enhance human abilities rather than erode them.

• Educational Focus: The Pope has underscored the importance of teaching young people to use AI tools with their own intelligence and critical thinking, ensuring they can discern meaning and values from the vast amount of data AI can provide.

• Statement on Digital Identity: In January, the pope released a message for the World Day of Social Communications emphasizing that AI systems simulating human relationships and creativity infringe on the unique identity each person possesses.