Pope Leo XIV’s AI encyclical urges human dignity, critical judgment, and real-world connection amid rapid automation

The article reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas, an encyclical focused on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence. It highlights three concerns: using AI while preserving inner freedom, accessing vast information while retaining critical judgment, and living digitally without losing the joy of real encounters.

The piece frames AI governance as a cultural and moral challenge, not just a technical one. Its emphasis on human dignity aligns with a broader trend of religious, civic, and policy institutions trying to shape AI around accountability, agency, and social cohesion.