RismadarVoice Reporters, May 25, 2026
Pope Leo XIV has warned that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is contributing to global tensions and called on world leaders to slow its development and strengthen ethical oversight.
The Pope made the remarks in his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), a wide-ranging theological and policy document released on Monday, which examines the impact of modern technology on human dignity and global peace.
In the document, the first U.S.-born pontiff cautioned that AI systems should not be concentrated in the hands of a few powerful actors, warning that such control could deepen inequality and increase the risk of conflict.
“AI should not be concentrated in the hands of only a few people,” the Pope wrote, adding that the world must work toward what he described as “disarming AI,” which he explained does not mean rejecting technology but preventing it from dominating humanity.
He further argued that simple regulation is not enough to address the risks posed by artificial intelligence.
“Merely regulating it is insufficient,” he stated.
Pope Leo XIV also raised concerns about the use of AI in modern warfare, particularly autonomous weapons systems, warning that they could make conflict easier to initiate and harder to control.
He described the growing reliance on such technologies as part of a broader global shift in which peace is increasingly viewed as temporary rather than a moral responsibility.
The pontiff called for stronger ethical frameworks and greater global cooperation, insisting that technological progress must be guided by moral responsibility rather than profit or political interests.
“Calling for prudence, rigorous evaluation and even, at times, a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress,” he said. “Instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.”
Pope Leo also emphasised that technology itself is not inherently harmful but warned against its misuse by powerful private interests without adequate oversight.
He urged governments, civil society, religious groups, and academic institutions to play active roles in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
The encyclical, which was signed on May 15 but released on Monday, is being viewed as one of the most significant Vatican interventions on technology in modern history, drawing global attention to the ethical implications of AI development.
