Pope Leo XIV Calls for AI Regulation Amid Concerns of Digital Slavery

• •Pope Leo XIV's encyclical emphasizes the need for AI regulation to prevent digital slavery.
• •The document warns against the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few private companies.
• •Pope Leo condemns the use of AI in warfare, stating it cannot morally justify conflict.

On May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' addressing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few private entities could lead to new forms of digital slavery and dehumanization. The Pope urged for robust international regulations to govern AI development and usage, emphasizing that AI should not remain solely in private hands. He highlighted the risks associated with autonomous weapons systems, which he claimed are beyond human control, and called for a slowdown in AI advancements to ensure ethical oversight. The encyclical also included a strong condemnation of the use of AI in warfare, asserting that no algorithm can morally justify conflict. This document represents a significant shift in the Church's engagement with technology and its societal implications.