Pope Leo XIV has called for tougher regulation of artificial intelligence, warning that AI must serve humanity instead of corporate profit or military power.
In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), the pope described AI as one of the greatest challenges facing modern society. The Vatican document urges governments, tech companies, and world leaders to establish stronger legal oversight and ethical safeguards for rapidly advancing AI systems.
Pope Warns Against AI in Warfare
Leo strongly criticized the growing use of AI in warfare and said lethal decisions should never be left entirely to machines.
“Artificial Intelligence now demands to be disarmed,” the pope said during the Vatican presentation of the document, condemning technologies that promote “domination, exclusion and death.”
The manifesto also warned about the concentration of data and power among a small number of technology companies, arguing that ethical promises alone are not enough without independent oversight and regulation.
Focus on Human Dignity and Jobs
The pope raised concerns about AI replacing human workers and harming vulnerable communities. He stressed that economic growth and profits should never come at the expense of human dignity.
The Vatican compared today’s AI revolution to the Industrial Revolution addressed by Pope Leo XIII in the landmark 1891 document Rerum Novarum, which focused on workers’ rights and social justice.
Tech Industry Reacts
Executives and AI experts, including leaders connected to Anthropic and Microsoft, said the encyclical could become a major global reference point in debates over AI ethics, regulation, labor, and warfare.
For more on the Vatican, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.