Pope Leo XIV's First Encyclical to Address Artificial Intelligence Concerns

Pope Leo XIV is set to release his first encyclical, titled "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity), which will focus on the profound implications of artificial intelligence. The document, officially signed on May 15, marks the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's landmark 1891 encyclical, "Rerum Novarum." That earlier encyclical addressed the social and economic upheavals of the Industrial Revolution, and Pope Leo XIV's new work will similarly tackle the challenges posed by the current technological revolution.

In a notable departure from tradition, Pope Leo XIV will personally present the encyclical in the Synod Hall. This event, attended by members of the Curia, diplomats, and the media, underscores the pontiff's significant emphasis on the document's importance. The Vatican's decision to have the pope present the encyclical himself signals its high priority.

Adding a unique dimension to the publication, Christopher Olah, co-founder of the influential AI company Anthropic, will be seated on the panel alongside cardinals and theologians. Anthropic, known for its AI system Claude, is described as an AI lab prioritizing the safety of large models. Olah's presence suggests a deliberate engagement with the ethical and political considerations surrounding advanced AI, particularly given Anthropic's past disputes with the Trump administration over its AI models' use.

The encyclical's release comes after Pope Leo XIV's recent strong critique of AI's role in autonomous weapons and the militarization of technology. He warned in a Rome speech that AI investments and high-tech weaponry are propelling the world toward a "spiral of annihilation." The Vatican's engagement with AI's potential dangers dates back to at least 2016, when technology professionals from Silicon Valley alerted the Holy See to the emerging issues.

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AI investments and high-tech weaponry were leading the world into a 'spiral of annihilation'.