Catholic leader calls for ethical use of technology.

Pope Leo XIV has issued a new encyclical titled ‘Magnifica Humanitas’, urging the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The document, co-signed with Anthropic’s co-founder at an event in Rome, aims to steer AI away from domination and exclusion towards serving humanity’s common good.

The encyclical updates Catholic social teaching for the modern era, addressing critiques of AI-powered autonomous weapons and neo-colonial data practices. It emphasizes the need for a ‘civilization of love’ where technology augments rather than bypasses human life.

For builders and operators, this means integrating ethical considerations in every phase of development to ensure that AI aligns with societal values and does not undermine individual or collective well-being.

What comes next is closely watched by tech leaders who must now consider broader implications beyond profit. The encyclical’s release sets the stage for a global debate on responsible technology use, likely influencing policies and corporate practices.

What matters

• Pope Leo XIV released ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ calling for AI to be ‘disarmed’.
• Encourages creation of a ‘civilization of love’ where tech serves humanity, not dominates it.
• Builders and operators must consider social impact in development.

Why it matters

Builders and operators must consider social impact in development.

This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by Ars Technica. Source reference: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/05/citing-gandalf-pope-leo-says-we-must-disarm-ai/.

Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.