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

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, 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:

• “Magnifica Humanitas”
  Pope Leo XIV (May 15, 2026)

I’ve talked about AI before:

• “BART Drivers and the Importance of Being Human” (February 8, 2025)
  • The Train That Left Its Human Behind
• “Truth, Beauty, and the Evening News” (June 15, 2024)
  • By the Pricking of my Thumbs, Something Freaky This Way Comes
• “ChatGPT and the End of Civilization as We Know It” (April 15, 2023)
  • Search Engines, Iron Gall Ink and Me
  • It’s New, it’s Scary and it’s (Not) the End of Creative Writing
  • From “I Read it in a Book” to “I Saw it Online”