Pope Leo XIV to Release Major AI Manifesto

Pope Leo XIV is set to unveil a major manifesto on artificial intelligence on Monday, addressing growing ethical, social, and environmental concerns surrounding the rapid development of AI technology.

The document, titled Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), is expected to outline the Vatican’s position on artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity, governance, labour, warfare, and digital ethics.

The presentation will take place at the Vatican and will include church officials alongside technology experts, including representatives from Anthropic, one of the leading firms in the AI sector.

Since becoming the Catholic Church’s first American pope a year ago, Leo XIV has repeatedly warned about the dangers associated with unchecked AI development. He has expressed concerns about what he described as “the gradual replacement of reality by its simulation” and criticised the use of AI in military operations.

The pope has also condemned the growing race for rare earth minerals needed for modern electronics, warning about the environmental consequences tied to the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

According to the United Nations, the global AI market could reach trillions of dollars within the next decade, raising concerns over inequality, concentration of wealth, and the broader social impact of the technology.

Observers say the new encyclical could become one of the most influential Vatican documents in recent years, similar to Pope Francis’s 2015 climate-focused manifesto Laudato Si.

The Vatican has described the document as part of its broader effort to protect human dignity in the digital age, while promoting ethical standards in the use of emerging technologies.

The release of Magnifica Humanitas follows years of engagement by the Holy See on AI-related issues, including the launch of the “Rome Appeal for an AI Ethic” in 2020, which called for technology that respects human rights and transparency.

The pope is expected to emphasise the importance of digital literacy and responsible innovation, warning that artificial intelligence should not deepen division, fear, or violence in society.