Why I’m grateful to the Pope for his encyclical on AI | Francine Prose
Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on artificial intelligence addresses the ethical implications of this rapidly developing technology. It emphasizes the importance of human dignity and warns against the potential misuse of AI for profit and control. The pope calls for a commitment to justice and compassion in the face of technological advancement.
- ▪The encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas, discusses the uses and misuses of artificial intelligence.
- ▪Pope Leo XIV warns that AI can exacerbate economic inequality and be used for political repression.
- ▪The letter emphasizes the need for compassion and justice in the age of technology.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
‘In Silicon Valley, some have suggested that the pope doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’ Photograph: Yara Nardi/ReutersView image in fullscreen‘In Silicon Valley, some have suggested that the pope doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’ Photograph: Yara Nardi/ReutersOpinionAI (artificial intelligence)Why I’m grateful to the Pope for his encyclical on AIFrancine ProseThe intelligent and thoughtful encyclical is an important warning of the uses and misuses of a rapidly developing technology. Silicon Valley is wrong to dismiss itFri 29 May 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 06.01 EDTShareOften I’m asked if I think that the novels of the future will all be written by AI. It’s not so much a question as a provocation.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
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