Pope Leo XIV has issued his first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," a strong call for greater regulation and ethical consideration in the field of artificial intelligence. Published on May 15, the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's seminal letter "Rerum novarum," the document critiques the prevailing "culture of power" driving rapid AI development and warns against equating artificial intelligence's output with genuine consciousness or wisdom.
The encyclical emphasizes that technology is not neutral, as it reflects the characteristics of its creators, financiers, regulators, and users. Pope Leo XIV advocates for a slowdown in AI development, urging the industry to move away from a "profit-driven idolatry that sacrifices the weak" and toward working for the common good. This stance echoes his earlier concerns, expressed in January, that AI-generated content risks undermining human creative industries and fostering a society of passive consumers.
AI in Warfare and Morality
The pontiff also specifically addressed the application of AI in remote warfare. He stated that while AI can bolster defense and civilian protection, it also carries the risk of lowering the threshold for conflict, diminishing accountability, and dehumanizing adversaries into mere statistics or "collateral damage." Regarding AI morality and alignment, Pope Leo XIV warned that without robust oversight, the moral frameworks of a select few could become the invisible infrastructure of these powerful systems. He argued that a "more moral AI" is insufficient if that morality is dictated by a limited group, stressing the need for broader ethical considerations.
Questioning AI Consciousness
A significant portion of "Magnifica Humanitas" is dedicated to the concept of AI consciousness. Pope Leo XIV cautioned against mistaking the ability of large language models to generate human-like text for genuine wisdom or understanding. He articulated that artificial intelligences do not possess lived experiences, bodies, emotions such as joy or pain, or the capacity to mature through relationships. They do not inherently understand concepts like love, work, friendship, or responsibility, nor do they possess a moral conscience.
The Pope further explained that AI may simulate empathy, understanding, language, and analytical skills, but it lacks the affective, relational, and spiritual perspectives essential for human wisdom and growth. This theological perspective on consciousness offers a counterpoint to discussions within the tech and academic communities, such as the contrasting views on AI sentience presented by figures like evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and philosopher Jacob.