Pope Leo Cautions on Threat to Humanity Posed by AI

Pope Leo XIV has turned attention to the growing influence of AI, warning that rapid technological progress could threaten employment, fairness in society, and human worth. 

Speaking at the Vatican on Monday, May 25, while unveiling his first papal encyclical, titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”), Leo urged caution over the expanding role of AI, declaring that the technology “needs to be disarmed.” 

The newly released document, stretching to roughly 42,300 words, argues that technological progress should remain under human direction. Leo writes that “disarming” AI does not mean abandoning scientific development but ensuring it never gains dominance over people or undermines shared moral values. 

Encyclicals hold particular weight within the Roman Catholic Church. Traditionally sent to bishops worldwide, these texts outline papal teaching on urgent political, ethical, and social matters, helping shape Catholic thinking across continents. 

The Pope deliberately signed the encyclical on May 15, 2026, marking the anniversary of Rerum Novarum, the influential 1891 text written by Pope Leo XIII. That earlier document addressed social disruption brought by industrialization and became central to modern Catholic social teaching. Observers have long suggested the current pope’s choice of the name Leo reflects admiration for Leo XIII’s emphasis on fairness and labor rights. 

Much like his predecessor in name, Leo XIV links technological change to social responsibility. Where Leo XIII defended workers during the industrial revolution, the current pope argues that human judgment must remain more important than machine intelligence in the digital era. 

Referencing the role of governments, Leo called for regulations that preserve justice and prevent concentrated technological power from distorting societies. His concerns fit within a broader historical pattern of Church engagement with innovation, stretching from debates over the printing press centuries ago to reflections on the internet age. 

Before Leo formally unveiled the encyclical, attendees watched a short Vatican-produced film tracing moments in papal history alongside technological milestones. Images of radio infrastructure and early computers transitioned into scenes of smartphones filling St. Peter’s Square. The presentation also highlighted the connection between innovation and conflict, featuring wartime aircraft, nuclear destruction, and the September 11 attacks. 

Inside the document, Leo expresses concern over autonomous weapons, warning that increasingly advanced military systems may make armed conflict easier to pursue while reducing direct human responsibility. 

The pope’s intervention follows earlier Vatican efforts to confront AI-related risks. In early 2025, Pope Francis approved Antiqua et Nova, a doctrinal reflection urging developers to ensure vulnerable communities benefit from emerging technologies. 

The Pope’s proposal is not aimed at stopping AI progress but at ensuring it serves humanity. Drawing comparisons with nuclear disarmament campaigns, he argued that powerful technologies should exist only in ways that protect human welfare rather than fuel destruction or deepen injustice. 

As the potential harms of AI are discussed, they shouldn’t detract from the beneficial ways in which firms like Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ: DVLT) are leveraging this technology. 

About AINewsWire

AINewsWire (“AINW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (“AI”), including the technologies, trends and trailblazers driving innovation forward. It is one of 75+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, AINW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists, and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, AINW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.

AINW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from AINewsWire, text “AI” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit www.AINewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the AINewsWire website applicable to all content provided by AINW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.AINewsWire.com/Disclaimer

AINewsWire
Austin, Texas
www.AINewsWire.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@AINewsWire.com

AINewsWire is powered by IBN