Pope Leo XIV warns of AI’s threats in new 42,300 word encyclical

In a papal encyclical released on Monday, Pope Leo XIV warned of AI’s most disruptive effects while outlining a vision for the corporate executives, politicians, and individuals who will shape the future of the technology.

The encyclical, which runs to around 42,300 words in its English version, outlines the pope’s goal of safeguarding human value and independence as artificial intelligence increasingly takes over everyday jobs and social interactions.

“A society that guarantees employment to only a small fraction of the population, despite having a high level of technical development, risks exposing many to forced inactivity,” Leo wrote, while calling for protection and retraining for workers whose jobs are being threatened by the technology.

“The pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs,” he continued, while also calling for the safeguarding of the “irreplaceable role of the individual.”

The encyclical follows meetings with Silicon Valley executives representing companies such as Meta, Google, and Amazon, amid growing concerns about issues including misinformation, job displacement, and human dignity, while technology companies attempt to influence discussions surrounding future AI regulation and ethical standards.

Presenting the encyclical alongside Pope Leo XIV was Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic and an AI developer.

While unveiling the encyclical to a full house at the Vatican, Leo revealed that scientists, engineers, and political leaders had helped shape his worldview. He specifically highlighted Mr. Olah, pledging to join forces with him “to find a way for humanity in this time of artificial intelligence.”

Olah commended the pope’s initiative, noting that corporations require moral direction to navigate complex business pressures that often clash with ethical behavior. “We need moral voices that the incentives cannot bend,” he added.

At the start of his papacy last year, Pope Leo XIV alerted the College of Cardinals that the Church must actively guide emerging AI technology to safeguard labor, justice, and human value, consistently highlighting the risks of AI in discussions with Catholic educators. The Vatican has also formed a specialized commission of senior officials to tackle digital challenges.

Among the encyclical’s 42,300 words, Leo emphasized the need for government regulation of the private companies driving AI development, as well as education that helps students think critically about the technology.

He also urged action to protect children from violent, hypersexualized, or fake online content often generated by AI, and called for safeguards ensuring that humans, not artificial intelligence, remain responsible for all decisions regarding the use of weapons.

Some scholars discussing the encyclical’s impact on the technology industry were divided: some claim it provides “a moral imperative,” while others remain skeptical about the effect it will have on the lives of workers in places such as Silicon Valley, insisting that its influence will be most prevalent and useful within the Church.