On May 15, 2026, Leo XIV published his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, devoted to artificial intelligence.
It follows in the footsteps of Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), which laid the foundations of the Church’s social doctrine in response to the Industrial Revolution, at a time when it threatened the human dignity of workers. Rerum Novarum remains a treasure trove of wisdom to this day. The Social Doctrine features the following principles : the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsisiarity, solidarity and social justice.
“Magnifica Humanitas” is a seminal text that guides our actions—whether we are Christian or not—and helps shape the world of today. It is up to us to avoid to create with AI a new Tower of Babel. The video to introduce the text.
Chapter 3 of the encyclical is especially dedicated to AI.
The encyclical is available in English
A short excerpt:
108. In fact, as with every major technological shift, AI tends to amplify the power of those who already possess economic resources, expertise and access to data. In light of the common good and the universal destination of goods, this raises serious concerns, since small but highly influential groups can shape information and consumption patterns, influence democratic processes and steer economic dynamics to their own advantage, undermining social justice and solidarity among peoples.
For this reason, it is essential that the use of AI, especially when it touches on public goods and fundamental rights, be guided by clear criteria and effective oversight, grounded in participation and subsidiarity. Communities and intermediary organizations must not be reduced to passive recipients of decisions made elsewhere; they must be able to contribute to discernment and oversight. Moreover, ownership of data cannot be left solely in private hands but must be appropriately regulated. Data is the product of many contributors and should not be treated as something to be sold off or entrusted to a select few.
It is necessary to think creatively in order to manage data as a common or shared good, in a spirit of participation, as Saint John Paul II already suggested regarding collective goods.