Caught in the crossfire of U.S. government pressure and a wary European public, Anthropic is turning to Italy for new opportunities. The company’s strategy involves forming an alliance with the Catholic Church, positioning itself as a key player in the moral discourse surrounding artificial intelligence. This move comes as Anthropic aims to distance itself from recent challenges in the United States, where it has faced backlash for maintaining ethical safeguards in its AI technology.
In a notable development, Pope Leo XIV will unveil his first major encyclical on AI's ethical implications, titled Magnifica Humanitas, on May 25, 2026. This document will address “the protection of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence” and will be presented alongside Christopher Olah, Anthropic's co-founder and a significant figure in the development of its AI models. This collaboration with the Vatican underscores the Church's recognition of ethical concerns surrounding AI, framing the technology not just as a tool, but as a pressing social issue that requires thoughtful governance.
CEO Dario Amodei's anticipated visit to Rome shortly after the encyclical's release signals Anthropic’s concrete ambitions within Italy. Meetings with high-ranking Italian officials could pave the way for investment opportunities, enhancing the company’s European presence and reputation.
Strategic Context
The timing of this Vatican engagement is strategic. Just months prior, on February 27, 2026, then-President Trump ordered federal agencies to halt the use of Anthropic’s AI technologies, branding the firm a “supply chain risk.” This unprecedented designation arose from Anthropic's refusal to compromise on its ethical standards, which include safeguards against lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. Meanwhile, OpenAI swiftly capitalized on Anthropic’s predicament, securing a Pentagon contract within hours of the blacklist announcement.
In response to these challenges, Anthropic is looking towards Europe, with Italy emerging as a focal point for rebuilding its reputation. The Vatican’s endorsement of Anthropic, particularly through the appointment of Christopher Olah as a key figure in the encyclical, highlights a preference for ethical AI development over more aggressive, less regulated approaches.
The Vatican's Role in AI Governance
The decision to include Olah in the encyclical presentation was both deliberate and symbolic. The Pope's encyclical is dated May 15, coinciding with the 135th anniversary of Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, a foundational text on workers’ rights during the industrial age. This historical reference positions AI governance as a critical social issue of modern times, emphasizing the necessity of ethical considerations in technological advancement.
Alongside the encyclical, the establishment of a Vatican commission on artificial intelligence marks a significant step in the Church's formal engagement with AI issues. This is the first time the Catholic Church has organized its AI initiatives under a unified body, indicating a systematic approach to these complex questions.
Broader Implications for Anthropic
Anthropic’s pivot to Italy aligns with a broader strategy of European expansion. The company has reportedly tripled its EMEA headcount and opened new offices in major cities such as Paris and Munich, in addition to existing locations in London, Dublin, and Zurich. This expansion is underscored by a tenfold increase in European revenues within a single year, reflecting a growing acceptance and demand for its ethical approach to AI.
As Anthropic continues to navigate the turbulent waters of the U.S. landscape, its strategic engagement with Italy and the Vatican could serve as a blueprint for future operations. By aligning itself with ethical leadership, Anthropic seeks to recover from domestic setbacks and position itself as a leading voice in the global conversation on responsible AI development. The implications of this shift could resonate throughout the industry, setting a precedent for how tech companies engage with ethical frameworks and governmental entities moving forward.
