Pope Leo XIV Calls for Regulation of AI in New Encyclical

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and urged developers to prioritize the common good over profit in his encyclical titled "Magnifica Humanitas". The encyclical, which addresses the implications of AI on humanity, was presented at the Vatican on May 25, 2026. The Pope expressed concerns about the influence of a "culture of power" in AI development, particularly regarding its use in warfare, and stated that it is "not permissible" to allow AI systems to make irreversible lethal decisions. He emphasized the need for external regulation to prevent the concentration of power and data in the hands of a few, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The document is expected to serve as a significant reference point for policymakers and the tech industry amid ongoing debates about the ethical implications of AI. Experts have noted that the encyclical could shape discussions on AI's impact on jobs and society. Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah, who spoke at the presentation, welcomed the Pope's call for external checks on AI development, highlighting the importance of moral oversight in the technology's evolution.