Pope Leo XIV will launch his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on May 25, focusing on the protection of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence and the ethical risks posed by emerging technologies.
The Vatican said Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah will join top Church officials and theologians during the formal presentation, highlighting the Vatican’s growing engagement with AI safety and governance.
The encyclical is expected to connect AI-related concerns with Catholic social teachings on labor, justice, peace, and human rights, echoing the historic legacy of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum.
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly raised concerns about the use of AI in warfare and surveillance, signaling that AI ethics could become a major issue during his pontificate.
The event also comes amid ongoing tensions between Anthropic and the administration of Donald Trump over restrictions and military use of AI technology.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 19, 2026
