Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical titled 'Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence' on May 25, 2026, marking the 135th anniversary of the encyclical 'Rerum novarum' by Pope Leo XIII. The document emphasizes the importance of safeguarding humanity, promoting truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace in the context of advancing artificial intelligence.
The encyclical is divided into five chapters and argues that technology is not inherently antagonistic to humanity but is shaped by its creators and users. Pope Leo XIV calls for a commitment to the common good and shared responsibility.
In the first chapter, he discusses the dynamic nature of the Church's social doctrine, referencing teachings from previous popes. The second chapter focuses on the dignity of the individual, asserting that human rights, including the right to life, must be protected against exploitation.
The Pope identifies five principles of the Church's social doctrine, including the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity, and social justice. He warns against the concentration of technology in the hands of a few and emphasizes the need for fair access to opportunities for all, particularly in the digital age.
