Pope Leo XIV's inaugural encyclical, titled "Magnifica Humanitas," urges the disarmament of artificial intelligence to builds a more equitable society. Released in Rome alongside Anthropic co-founder, this 40,000-word document critiques AI's role in perpetuating inequality and domination, emphasizing that technology should serve humanity rather than oppress it.
The encyclical updates Catholic social teaching and draws parallels between today's technological elites and historical colonial powers. Leo asserts that these elites wield substantial influence over health data, genetic maps, and demographic information, treating them as modern-day 'rare earths' of power. He warns that a lack of oversight could lead to a new form of colonialism in the digital age, where the marginalized remain voiceless and powerless.
Critiques within the encyclical also target AI-powered autonomous weapons and the growing concentration of technological assets, including patents and algorithms. Leo stresses the importance of liberating AI from its current logics, declaring that it must be "freed from logics that turn it into an instrument of domination, exclusion, and death." This language reflects a call to action, as the Pope acknowledges the urgent need for a collective moral response to the challenges posed by AI.
In a nod to the technological practices of Silicon Valley elites, Leo’s call to "build" transcends mere software or infrastructure. He envisions a "civilization of love" where technology uplifts the common good, suggesting that everyone has a role in shaping this future. His vision resonates with venture capitalist Marc Andreessen's 2020 essay, which called for renewed efforts toward meaningful construction in society.
The encyclical, signed on May 15, coincides with the anniversary of the 1891 document "Rerum Novarum," which addressed the struggles of workers during a time of capitalist upheaval. By linking these two significant moments in Church history, Leo highlights the continuity of moral obligations in the face of economic and technological transformation. He argues that, just as the Church advocated for workers' rights in the past, it must now defend humanity’s interests against the potential threats posed by advanced technologies.
Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical serves as both a warning and a guide. It challenges the technological elite to recognize their responsibility in shaping a future where shared knowledge becomes a common good rather than a tool for dominance. As society teeters on the brink of this new digital age, the Pope's message underscores an urgent moral imperative: to makes sure that progress does not leave humanity behind. If this balance is not achieved, Leo cautions, "the digital age will not be post-colonial, but colonial in another form." This stark reminder compels all to consider the ethical implications of their technological pursuits as they navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world ahead.
