Pope Leo XIV's First Encyclical Tackles AI Risks

Pope Leo XIV has issued his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, a 43,000-word document dedicating an entire chapter to technology's impact on humanity, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. The document warns of AI's limited transparency, environmental costs, and the danger of simulated human relationships creating false emotional bonds. The encyclical calls for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, and responsible AI adoption, suggesting a slower pace may sometimes be necessary. It urges researchers, investors, politicians and academic institutions to operate transparently. The release follows the Vatican's formation of an interdepartmental commission to study AI's impact on humanity.