Pope Leo XIV Releases First Encyclical Addressing Artificial Intelligence Ethics
Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical, titled "What Must Not Be Lost," which directly addresses the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. The document represents the Vatican's latest engagement with rapidly evolving AI technologies, framing concerns around human dignity, authenticity, and the preservation of what makes humanity distinct in an age of increasing machine capability.
The encyclical underscores themes of technological stewardship, emphasizing that while AI systems may offer substantial benefits to society, their development and deployment must be guided by ethical principles that protect human welfare and autonomy.
This publication marks a continuation of the Vatican's active engagement with technology ethics, building upon previous statements from Pope Francis and other Church officials who have expressed both appreciation for innovation and caution about its potential societal impacts.
Religious and ethical leaders worldwide have increasingly called for thoughtful governance of AI systems, with concerns ranging from algorithmic bias to the displacement of human labor and decision-making. The Vatican's contribution to this ongoing dialogue reflects growing institutional interest in shaping how AI technologies intersect with human values.