**Pope Leo Calls for “Disarming” of AI, Citing Risk of “Less Human” Civilization**
In a strongly worded encyclical, Pope Leo XIV is urging world leaders to rethink their approach to AI development, calling for a more deliberate and cautious path forward.
Released Monday, the “Magnifica Humanitas” document marks a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s stance on AI, a field that has captured the imagination of scientists, policymakers, and philosophers alike. The Pope warns that as civilization becomes increasingly reliant on AI, we risk losing touch with our fundamental humanity.
**”Profoundly Human” in the Age of AI**
The Pope’s central concern is that AI’s rapid advancement could lead to a gradual erosion of human values and empathy. “We must be aware of the risks of an AI-driven world that increasingly values efficiency over compassion, calculation over creativity,” he writes.
By “disarming” AI, the Pope appears to be advocating for a more measured approach to development, one that prioritizes human well-being and agency over the relentless pursuit of technological progress. This means, in practice, greater emphasis on AI’s social and emotional implications, as well as more careful consideration of the consequences of widespread AI adoption.
**What This Means**
The Pope’s call to action will likely resonate with those concerned about AI’s potential to exacerbate social inequalities, undermine human relationships, or even pose existential risks. For policymakers, his words may serve as a reminder that AI is not just a technical challenge, but a deeply human one. As AI increasingly shapes our lives, we must ask ourselves: what does it mean to be “profoundly human” in a world where machines are increasingly capable of thinking, learning, and acting like us?
While the Pope’s encyclical will not directly influence AI development policy, it is likely to spark a wider conversation about the human dimensions of AI, and the kind of world we want to create as a result of this technology. With AI poised to transform industries, economies, and societies, the need for careful consideration and moral reflection has never been more pressing.
