Pope Leo XIV's First Encyclical Calls for "Disarming" Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo XIV has published his first encyclical, a significant document in Catholic teaching, in which he calls for what he describes as "disarming" artificial intelligence. The encyclical draws a direct link between the development and deployment of AI systems and historical forms of slavery, framing the technology within a broader context of human rights and dignity concerns.
The encyclical represents one of the most comprehensive statements from a major religious leader on artificial intelligence to date. Pope Leo XIV's comparison to historical slavery highlights the Vatican's concerns about how AI systems may perpetuate inequality or dehumanize certain populations. The document calls on the international community to approach AI development with greater caution and ethical consideration.
This encyclical comes as debates continue worldwide about how to regulate and govern AI technologies. The Catholic Church has been increasingly vocal about technology ethics in recent years, with previous popes addressing digital privacy, artificial intelligence, and the role of technology in society.
The document is expected to influence discussions among Catholic institutions and may have broader implications for how faith-based organizations engage with technology companies and policymakers on AI governance.