Pope Leo Urges Global AI Regulation

Pope Leo XIV released his first major document on Monday, urging governments worldwide to slow down the development of artificial intelligence systems. In Magnifica Humanitas, a nearly 43,000-word encyclical, the pope warned that AI spreads misinformation and prioritizes conflict, potentially leading to unending war.

The first U.S.-born pope called for ownership of AI data not to be left solely in private hands. He urged policymakers to protect workers' rights and keep children safe from technology while cooling competition between AI companies. According to TimesLIVE, Leo stated, 'What is needed is a more active political involvement that is capable of slowing things down when everything is accelerating.'

The encyclical also addressed the number of wars affecting civilian populations and lamented the weakening of multilateral organizations. As reported by Reuters, Pope Leo made one of the clearest statements yet from a pope repudiating the just war theory, calling it 'outdated' given technological advances in warfare.

The document invoked centuries of prior papal teachings on social justice issues before addressing AI ethics. According to HuffPost, Pope Leo decried what he called 'new forms of slavery' endured by people tending AI systems and factory workers who produce the technological devices used for AI. He also acknowledged the Catholic Church's delayed condemnation of transatlantic slavery, offering a personal apology.

The encyclical frames AI as the new industrial revolution and makes an appeal to 'disarm AI' by removing it from military and economic interests. Pope Leo wrote that 'Disarming does not mean renouncing technology, but preventing it from dominating humanity.' He highlighted the dangers of having a few wealthy individuals influence the future and livelihood of humanity, widening the gap between those who can participate in the digital revolution and those who remain on the margins.

Pope Leo presented the encyclical at the Vatican's Synod Hall, referencing the 1891 encyclical 'Rerum Novarum' by his namesake Pope Leo XIII. He called for broad participation in the programming, regulation, and benefits of AI. The pope was joined by high-ranking Vatican prelates, Catholic theologians, and Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic. Olah emphasized the need for more global involvement in regulating AI to ensure its positive development.

The encyclical insists that human beings take precedence over artificial intelligence. Pope Leo argued that applying moral and ethical principles to AI models cannot happen after it has wreaked havoc on society; such values must be applied in its construction. He pushed back against executives who resist restrictions on AI development, explaining that calling for prudence and a slower pace does not mean opposing progress but is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.

The document also takes on popular Silicon Valley philosophies like transhumanism and posthumanism, which Pope Leo defined as interpretations of progress that surpass the human condition. He argued that humanity flourishes through limitations, not despite them. The encyclical calls for education on AI, especially for the young, and warns against new forms of slavery and colonialism driven by data appropriation.

Pope Leo's encyclical is based on contributions from past pontiffs and draws on Catholic social teaching. It emphasizes solidarity, caring for one's 'neighbor,' and concern for future generations. The document has been hailed as a benchmark in the debate over AI, with experts suggesting it will serve as a point of reference for policymakers, researchers, and the public.