Noted: “Magnifica Humanitas”, Pope Leo XIV on AI

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Brian H. Gill

I haven’t read the encyclical letter yet. It’s divided into five chapters plus a conclusion, so I don’t expect it’ll be a fast read.

Vatican News posted an article about it today:

“Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power”
Isabella Piro, Vatican News (May 25, 2026)

“Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum, Pope Leo XIV releases his first encyclical, entitled ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.’ He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace.

“‘Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.’

“The opening words of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, summarize its underlying reasons and purpose.

“Published on Monday, May 25, the Pope signed the encyclical on May 15, the 135th anniversary of the promulgation of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum novarum….”

I’m particularly interested in this encyclical letter. Partly because it’s from the first American pope, partly because it’s about a new sort of technology.

My guess, though, is that what the current pope says will be what we’ve been told for two millennia and counting:

  • People matter
  • Actions have consequences
  • Responsibility exists

As for AI, artificial intelligence: it’s a technology, a tool. Essentially, it’s no different from sharpened sticks, fire, steam engines, or pocket calculators. Each of us can use technology to help or harm ourselves and our neighbors. Or not use it, for that matter.

Me? “Magnifica Humanitas” is now on my ‘should read this soon’ list. Also, I’ve started using — playing with — learning about — AI that my oldest daughter introduced me to, and I’m going to get back to enjoying Memorial Day as soon as I wrap this up.

First, a link to what Pope Leo XIV wrote:

I’ve talked about AI before:

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About Brian H. Gill

I was born in 1951. I'm a husband, father and grandfather. One of the kids graduated from college in December, 2008, and is helping her husband run businesses and raise my granddaughter; another is a cartoonist and artist; #3 daughter is a writer; my son is developing a digital game with #3 and #1 daughters. I'm also a writer and artist.
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2 Responses to Noted: “Magnifica Humanitas”, Pope Leo XIV on AI

  1. The Overlord Bear says:
    May 26, 2026 at 12:45

    As far as I’ve read the Vatican News article, I’m especially enjoying Pope Leo XIV’s fight for healthy realism rather than the idea of realism being glorified cynicism and pessimism. As for his talk about AI today, I very much like the caution he’s showing about it, which means a lot to me also because of my doubt about most attempts at using AI to promote Christianity. Thanks very much for this share, then, Mister Gill.

    Reply
    • Brian H. Gill says:
      May 27, 2026 at 23:15

      You’re quite welcome!

      I’ve started skimming the encyclical’s introduction. As usual with documents of this sort, actually reading it will take time and concentration. 😀 And I’m happy about living in an age when someone like me **can** read the document, translated into my language: not what someone else says he thinks it says, or should have said.

      Given my interests, I’ll probably say something about. When I’ve actually read the thing, and thought about it. 😉

      Reply

Thanks for taking time to comment!