What does Pope Leo XIV say about Artificial Intelligence?

Quick answer

Pope Leo XIV has made artificial intelligence the signature theme of his pontificate. His first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas (25 May 2026), argues that AI must safeguard the human person, serve the common good, protect workers and not concentrate power. He ties the issue to his chosen name and to Leo XIII's response to the industrial revolution, and has pressed legislators to keep technology at the service of human dignity and the family.

Key positions

AI must be governed by human dignity and the common good, not left to markets or a few powerful actors.
Machines can process and predict but cannot love, suffer or bear moral responsibility; that distinction must shape policy.
Workers must be protected from displacement and exploitation, including hidden labour behind AI systems.
The family — the 'first school of humanity' — must not be eroded by technology.
The Church should help convene ethical reflection and international coordination on AI.

Most important statements

Explained his name in terms of Leo XIII and Rerum novarum, naming AI as a new challenge to human dignity, justice and labour.
May 10, 2025 · Address to the College of Cardinals, Vatican · full speech
Published the encyclical Magnifica humanitas, 'On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence', dated to the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum.
May 25, 2026 · Vatican
Told the International Catholic Legislators Network that AI must never be allowed to erode the family, the 'first school of humanity'.
August 21, 2026 · Address to Catholic legislators, Vatican · full speech

Timeline of statements

May 10, 2025
Links his papal name to AI and the dignity of work
May 25, 2026
First encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, on AI and the human person
Aug 21, 2026
Warns legislators that AI must not erode the family

Key quotes

the family… the first school of humanity

Aug 21, 2026Vatican

Warning Catholic legislators that artificial intelligence must never be allowed to erode the family.

aifamilytechnology

From this speech →

Source: Vatican News

Related speeches

AddressMay 10, 2025Synod Hall, Vatican

Address to the College of Cardinals

Meeting the cardinals after the conclave, Pope Leo XIV explained his choice of name, connecting it to Leo XIII and Rerum novarum, and identifying artificial intelligence and a new industrial revolution as the defining challenge to human dignity and labour in our time.

artificial intelligence technology economy

AddressAug 21, 2026Vatican

Address to the International Catholic Legislators Network

Pope Leo XIV urged lawmakers to legislate for human rights and human dignity, and warned that artificial intelligence must never be allowed to erode the family, which he called the 'first school of humanity'.

artificial intelligence family technology

AddressJan 12, 2026Sala Regia, Apostolic Palace, Vatican

Address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See

In the traditional 'state of the world' address to diplomats, Pope Leo XIV set out Holy See priorities: negotiated peace and disarmament, protection of migrants, climate commitments, religious freedom, and ethical rules for artificial intelligence.

peace migration climate change artificial intelligence

Related news

Frequently asked questions

What is Magnifica humanitas?

It is Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, published on 25 May 2026, subtitled 'On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence'. Its publication date marks the 135th anniversary of Leo XIII's Rerum novarum.

Why does Pope Leo XIV talk about AI so much?

He has explicitly connected his papal name to Leo XIII, who addressed the social crisis of industrialisation in 1891, and presents AI and automation as a comparable turning point for work and human dignity.