Pope Leo released his inaugural major papal document Monday, calling for worldwide oversight to restrict artificial intelligence advancement, warning these technologies spread false information and could push humanity toward perpetual conflict.
The comprehensive encyclical, spanning nearly 43,000 words and titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), addresses multiple concerns about AI development and its impact on society.
Regarding artificial intelligence systems, the Pope expressed concern about corporate control, stating: “The main drivers of development are private, often transnational, parties that are endowed with resources and the capacity to intervene that surpass those of many Governments. Technological power thus takes on an unprecedented, predominantly ‘private’ aspect, which makes it even more challenging to discern, govern and direct such power toward the common good.”
He warned about concentrated power, noting: “When such power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it tends to become opaque and evade public oversight, increasing the risk of distorted forms of development that give rise to new dependencies, exclusions, manipulations and inequalities.”
The document emphasizes responsible development: “Calling for prudence, rigorous evaluation and even, at times, a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.”
Pope Leo stressed the need for concrete action: “It is not enough to invoke ethics in the abstract; robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility are required.”
On warfare applications, the encyclical states: “The digital revolution is changing the nature of conflict. Alongside conventional warfare, there are hybrid forms such as cyberattacks, information manipulation, campaigns of influence and the automation of strategic decisions.”
The Pope warned about blurred lines in military technology: “What is created for defense can be rapidly repurposed for offense, and the fine line between protection and aggression becomes blurred. While AI can enhance the defense and protection of civilians, it can also lower the threshold for the use of force, shield people from responsibility and foster a culture in which the enemy is reduced to a statistic and the victim to ‘collateral damage’.”
Addressing broader societal issues, the document states: “Democracy does not consist of rules and procedures alone, but above all of a solid concordance with the facts and a genuine commitment to the good of individuals and society as a whole. Indifference to the truth leads, slowly but surely, to a descent into totalitarianism.”
On employment concerns, Pope Leo noted: “The convergence of automation, robotics and AI is rapidly transforming the very structure of work. It is said that this will bring great improvements for everyone. In reality, however, the ‘new ways’ of working are not necessarily better.”
The encyclical emphasizes worker protection: “The protection of employment opportunities and the irreplaceable role of the individual must remain the general rule. The pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs.”
