What Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Says About the Power of AI
Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, addresses the implications of artificial intelligence on society. The Pope emphasizes the need to ensure that technology serves human dignity and the common good, rather than concentrating power in the hands of a few. He advocates for transparency and plurality in the governance of AI to prevent it from becoming a tool of domination.
- ▪The encyclical critiques the concentration of technological power among a few global players.
- ▪Pope Leo XIV connects the current digital transformation to the social doctrine of the Catholic Church.
- ▪He calls for AI to be made transparent and accessible to prevent monopolistic control.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Elena BettiBusinessMay 26, 2026 4:17 PMWhat Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical Says About the Power of AIIn Magnifica Humanitas, the Pope decries the concentration of technological power in a few global players.Anthropic cofounder Chris Olah shakes hands with Pope Leo XIV ahead of the presentation of the first encyclical.Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyAn algorithm decides what we see, another filters what we read, and still others enter into the processes that govern work, information, and collective choices. In the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at WIRED.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from WIRED
