Pope Leo prepares encyclical on protecting humanity in the age of AI

Pope Leo is preparing a historic encyclical, the first major document of his pontificate, devoted to protecting humanity as artificial intelligence advances rapidly. It will be presented at the Vatican next week in the presence of leaders from Anthropic, one of the world's leading AI companies, which has published recommendations on safety and ethics in AI system development.

Who is the new Pope

Leo XIV was born in Chicago and is the first American pope of the modern era. This is his first encyclical, the most authoritative form of papal document, which sets the Vatican's official position on key questions facing humanity. The Vatican has already announced that the text will address "the protection of the human person in the age of AI." That signals the Church sees technological challenges not as abstract problems but as existential threats that demand a spiritual and moral response.

An encyclical is not a decree, nor an instruction to subordinates. It is an address to the entire Catholic world and to humanity at large on a profound moral and philosophical question. When a pope issues an encyclical, it is an event. History shows that encyclicals have often marked turning points in how the Church views the modern world.

Why Anthropic is there

An Anthropic co-founder has been invited to the presentation. The company is known for its AI safety work: its Claude model was built with an emphasis on ethics, explainability, and accountability. The choice is not random. Anthropic has spent years researching how to make AI more reliable and understandable to people, and how to avoid manipulation and bias.

There is also a political context. Anthropic is in conflict with the Trump administration over AI regulation and export controls. The company has opposed some government decisions, which has created tension. Inviting the company's head to the Vatican sends an indirect message about the Church's independence on technology, and suggests the Vatican leans toward a position that defends ethics and transparency.

What the encyclical will focus on

According to preliminary information, the document will concentrate on several key problems that arise as AI develops:

• Protecting personal information and privacy amid pervasive tracking and data analysis
• Bias in AI algorithms and its role in discrimination based on race, gender, and social status
• The need to preserve human dignity as automation enters workflows and decision-making
• The danger of manipulating public opinion through synthetic media and disinformation
• The role of the state and the international community in regulating powerful technologies

The encyclical promises to be a philosophical and moral document rather than an apocalyptic or overly combative one. The Pope will not call for a ban on AI, which would be unrealistic and impractical. The focus is on the moral principles and values on which the development of these technologies should rest.

What it means

The Vatican's position is clear: AI is neither a political battle nor a narrow technical dispute among specialists. It is a deep moral question that concerns every person, their dignity, and their future. Pope Leo's encyclical could become a significant voice in the global conversation about how to avoid losing our humanity as technological progress accelerates, and how to ensure AI serves people's good rather than their exploitation.