Pope Leo XIV Warns of AI's Ethical Dilemmas in Groundbreaking Encyclical

Pope Leo XIV has made a significant mark on the debate over artificial intelligence with his first major teaching since assuming the papacy in May 2025. The encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas, On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, warns against the unchecked power of Big Tech and the ethical challenges posed by AI. Pope Leo argues that while AI has remarkable computational abilities, it must not be mistaken for human intelligence or conscience.

AI: A Mere Imitation of Human Cognition

In his encyclical, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes that AI systems, despite their advanced capabilities, lack the intrinsic human qualities such as empathy, moral judgment, and relational experience. According to him, AI's computational prowess, though beneficial across various fields, is fundamentally rooted in data processing, not genuine understanding or ethical reasoning.

The Danger of Concentrated Power

Pope Leo XIV raises concerns about the concentration of control over AI technologies in the hands of a few major economic and technological entities. He points out that these entities set the terms for access and participation, potentially leading to new forms of dependence and inequality. The Pope's call for strong regulatory measures underscores the necessity of defining responsibility at every stage of AI development and deployment.

Is it acceptable for a handful of moguls to shape the moral framework of AI? This is a question Pope Leo poses, emphasizing that a more ethical AI can't be left to the discretion of these few power players. Instead, the Pontiff advocates for active political involvement to ensure that AI development doesn't outpace the ethical considerations it demands.

Environmental and Societal Impacts

The encyclical also touches on AI's environmental footprint, noting the significant energy and resource consumption associated with large language models. Pope Leo calls for sustainable technological advancements to mitigate these impacts and protect our environment.

the Pope highlights the human cost of AI, drawing attention to the exploitative conditions faced by those working in the data and mineral supply chains. He warns that AI's rapid adoption risks leading to a new form of slavery, where the pursuit of profit overshadows human dignity and welfare.

In a nod to the economic implications, Pope Leo acknowledges the potential of AI to relieve humans of monotonous or dangerous tasks. However, he insists that protecting employment opportunities and valuing individual contributions must remain important. Economic growth should never justify the systematic sacrifice of jobs, as the human person must always be the end, not merely a means.

A Global Call to Action

In a telling move, Pope Leo invited Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, to comment on the encyclical. Olah echoed the Pope's concerns, underscoring the concentration of AI development in a few wealthy nations and questioning how its benefits can be shared globally. However, as Olah admits, the mechanisms to achieve this equitable distribution remain elusive.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Pope Leo's encyclical is its call for a collective, global effort to address these challenges. As the Pope cautions against the technocratic governance of AI, he urges that the future of artificial intelligence be shaped by ethical considerations that respect human dignity and promote the common good.