Tech Desk: Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning about the unchecked power of artificial intelligence in his first major papal document, “Magnifica Humanitas.” Released on Monday, the encyclical calls for a new global legal and ethical framework to govern AI, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard human dignity against technological advancements. This pivotal manifesto addresses AI’s profound impact on modern life, from labor displacement to AI-powered warfare and the exposure of children to advanced tools.

Comparing the current AI era to the biblical Tower of Babel, Pope Leo stressed the dangers of prioritizing profit and uniformity over human well-being. He highlighted the economic and social upheaval caused by rapid AI adoption, arguing that inadequate protections threaten our fundamental humanity. The Pope’s vision advocates for “moral and social discernment” to ensure human intelligence, conscience, and freedom guide technological innovation, not the other way around.

Among the proposals in the 42,000-word letter are social criteria for AI implementation, retraining programs for workers, and human oversight for lethal force decisions. It also calls for transparency in algorithmic decision-making and sustainable AI development. Pope Leo’s engagement with tech leaders, including representatives from Anthropic, Amazon, Meta, and Google, underscores the urgency of his message: technology must be “disarmed” to prevent it from dominating humanity and to protect the vulnerable.