Pope calls for regulation of AI in manifesto that ponders the future of humanity
Pope calls for regulation of AI in manifesto that ponders the future of humanity
Publish Date: 2026-05-25 08:28:00
Source Domain: www.scrippsnews.com
- Pope Leo XIV called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” emphasizing its role for the common good rather than profit.
- He denounced the “culture of power” driving the AI race, particularly in the development of remote warfare, stating that it is not permissible to entrust lethal decisions to AI systems.
- Leo issued warnings about the concentration of AI power and data in the hands of a few, highlighting potential dangers, especially to children and the vulnerable, and called for external regulation.
- The pope urged AI developers and political leaders to use ethical and spiritual guidelines to ensure technology serves humans instead of degrading them.
- “Magnifica Humanitas” is expected to become a benchmark in the debate over AI, with experts predicting it will influence policymakers, researchers, and the public on AI’s impact.
- The encyclical denounces AI’s role in accelerating the “normalization of war,” calls for transparency and accountability in AI decision-making processes, and extends the Catholic Church’s social justice teachings to the digital revolution.