Pope Leo XIV Issues First Encyclical, Calling for the Disarmament of AI

In a significant move addressing the rapid evolution of digital intelligence, Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical, titled “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.” The document, presented at the Vatican on Monday, May 25, 2026, marks a major intervention by the Holy See into the ethical development and deployment of emerging technologies.

The Call for AI Disarmament

At the core of the encyclical is a call to “disarm” artificial intelligence. Pope Leo XIV explained that he chose this specific language to command attention and prompt a deeper reflection on the trajectory of technological progress. He emphasized that the objective is to ensure AI is not used as an instrument for domination, exclusion, or harm.

The encyclical, which spans 40,000 words, outlines a series of critical concerns regarding the modern digital landscape. The Pope argues that current trends in AI development risk sidelining human dignity, specifically pointing to the following areas of concern:

• Autonomous Weapons: The document provides an uncompromising critique of the integration of AI into military systems, warning against the implications of lethal autonomous technologies.
• Data Sovereignty: Pope Leo XIV addresses what he describes as neo-colonial attitudes toward data collection, highlighting how marginalized populations are often subjected to extractive practices.
• Digital Monopolies: The encyclical scrutinizes the concentration of power in the hands of those who control infrastructure, algorithms, patents and digital platforms.

A Vision for the Common Good

The presentation of “Magnifica humanitas” was attended by senior Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The event underscored the Church’s commitment to engaging with the technological sector to advocate for a human-centric approach to innovation.

By framing the issue through the lens of “disarmament,” the Holy See is pushing for a departure from the competitive, often exclusionary, logics that currently drive the AI race. Instead, the Pope advocates for a framework where technology serves the common good and respects the fundamental rights of every individual.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Intent: The term “disarmament” is used by the Pope to signal an urgent need to redirect AI development away from weaponization and toward humanitarian goals.
• Broad Scope: The encyclical covers a wide range of topics, from the ethics of data mining to the risks posed by autonomous military systems.
• Human-Centric Ethics: The central thesis posits that technological progress must remain subservient to the protection and flourishing of the human person.

Looking Ahead

As the global community continues to grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical serves as a foundational ethical guide for policymakers, developers, and the public. The call for a more equitable digital future suggests that the conversation around AI regulation and ethics is moving toward a more critical, values-based phase. Whether this intervention will lead to tangible shifts in industry practice remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly elevates the discourse on how we might govern the technologies that are increasingly shaping our collective future.