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The Vatican generally does not interfere with what’s going on in Silicon Valley. However, breaking the tradition, Pope Leo has now shared his concern over the growing use of Artificial Intelligence in his encyclical named Magnifica Humanitas. The Pope didn’t ask for a ban on AI systems, but he demanded that politics must learn to ‘slow things down when everything is accelerating’.
He is mostly concerned about the way artificial intelligence is advancing fast and claimed that technology should never replace human responsibility. During a recent discussion on AI and ethics, he said, “there is no algorithm that can make war morally acceptable.” The pope knew the weight of his words and, acknowledging that, as he added, “The word is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention.”
The Pope warned against the use of AI in military decisions and said machines should not decide matters involving human life. He also raised concerns about misinformation, surveillance, and inadequate oversight of fast-growing AI systems.
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He asked governments to bring stronger laws for artificial intelligence before the technology grows beyond public control. According to him, AI should support people, not weaken human values or dignity. The Pope also said tech companies must take responsibility for how their systems affect society. His suggestion is to ‘disarming AI,’ which he later clarifies as “does not mean rejecting technology, but preventing it from dominating humanity.”
Public concern around AI has also grown in recent months. Many people now worry about privacy, fake content, job losses, and the growing influence of large tech firms. The Pope’s remarks reflect that wider concern. What was once mostly a tech industry discussion is now becoming a public issue involving politics, safety, and everyday life.
