Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ Examines AI’s Impact on Humanity

Pope Leo XIV attended the unveiling of his inaugural Encyclical Letter, “Magnifica Humanitas”, at the Vatican on May 25, 2026. The document centers on the expanding role of artificial intelligence in modern life.

In the encyclical, Pope Leo draws parallels between the rapid emergence of AI and the biblical tale of the Tower of Babel. He warns against human hubris, a key theme in the biblical story. While acknowledging the beneficial contributions AI offers in fields like medicine, research, and education, he emphasized the need for caution. He stated, “Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed. The word is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention, awakening consciences and indicating paths forward for humanity.”

Though the encyclical spans a book’s length, it’s challenging to condense. It addresses various aspects of AI’s influence. Pope Leo highlights concerns over job displacement due to AI automation. “Work is not simply an instrument,” he asserts, emphasizing that economic pursuits should not undermine jobs, which provide purpose and dignity. He stresses, “The economic order must remain subordinate to human dignity and the common good.”

Additionally, Pope Leo notes that the vast data gathered by AI does not replace human understanding gained through life experiences. He observes that AI can mimic language and behavior, yet lacks the relational and spiritual depth humans possess. This understanding is essential as people grow wiser through choices and experiences like joy, fear, and connection.

AI systems may imitate language, behavior, and analytical skills, or even simulate empathy and understanding, but they do not understand what they produce, for they lack the affective, relational, and spiritual perspective through which human beings grow in wisdom… through choices, mistakes, forgiveness, and fidelity.

He warns that AI-generated interactions, such as chat bots offering empathy or friendship, may be superficially appealing and sometimes helpful. However, these can lead to illusions of genuine relationships, making vulnerable individuals more susceptible to deception. “It can also be misleading, creating the illusion of a relationship,” he writes, urging caution against such false senses of connection.

The encyclical ultimately challenges humanity to reflect on AI’s role. It asks whether AI will be used not only to bolster the global economy but also to deeply enrich human life as a whole.