Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical Critiques Tech Progress, Champions Humanism

Pope Leo XIV has issued his first encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas," a document that signals a return to a humanist tradition and a critique of modern technological progress. The encyclical's title, echoing Renaissance thinkers, suggests a shift in focus from the divine to human affairs, reminiscent of the Medici court's intellectual climate.

The author positions Leo XIV within a lineage of thinkers who critically engage with their era. Unlike those who condemn modernity outright, the Pope's encyclical, according to the article, offers a nuanced critique. It specifically targets the views of figures like Peter Thiel, who see artificial intelligence and transhumanism as solutions to global problems.

The article highlights the Pope's call to "disarm" artificial intelligence, questioning its use beyond mundane applications like recipes or weather forecasts. This concern is amplified by the involvement of AI developers and critics who participated in drafting the encyclical. They warn that the increasing reliance on AI models poses a threat not just to human intellect but also to cognitive integrity, as people voluntarily transfer their thinking processes to machines.

This critique of AI and transhumanism is framed against the backdrop of a society, particularly the United States, that has historically prioritized technological advancement. The author contrasts this with a perceived lack of similar achievements in other areas, suggesting a civilization that can launch rockets but also disseminates harmful substances and weapons.