Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must "disarm" AI
Pope Leo XIV has released his first encyclical titled 'Magnifica Humanitas,' calling for the disarmament of AI to serve the common good. He critiques the use of AI in autonomous weapons and data exploitation, urging a shift towards a 'civilization of love.' The encyclical emphasizes the need for technology to augment humanity rather than dominate it, warning against the colonial mindset in data collection.
- ▪Pope Leo XIV's encyclical calls for AI to be disarmed for the common good.
- ▪The document critiques AI-powered weapons and the exploitation of data as a new form of colonialism.
- ▪Leo emphasizes the importance of ensuring that shared knowledge serves as a common good.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Theology of Tolkien Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must “disarm” AI In an age of AI, Pope looks for “artisans of hope.” Nate Anderson – May 25, 2026 5:07 pm | 41 Pope Leo XIV presents "Magnifica Humanitas" at the Vatican. Credit: Getty Images Pope Leo XIV presents "Magnifica Humanitas" at the Vatican. Credit: Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav With the co-founder of Anthropic at his side today in Rome, Pope Leo XIV released a major new encyclical—his first—called “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”). It calls for AI to be “disarmed” in service of the common good.
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