Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical during his pontificate, calling on the world to slow AI development while rejecting the "Just War" theory that world leaders use to justify warfare.
On 25 May 2026, Pope Leo XIV presented his first encyclical of his papacy at a press event in Vatican City, urging governments worldwide to slow down and closely regulate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The Pope warned that these technologies are spreading false information, fueling conflicts, and risking leading the world down a path of endless war. He expressed concern that some types of autonomous weapons have advanced so far that they are "almost beyond human control."
Notably, Pope Leo has taken a sharper and more forceful tone on issues such as war in recent months, drawing heavy criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Nevertheless, he used this encyclical to again appeal to global leaders.
In the encyclical titled "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity), Pope Leo called for AI data ownership not to be concentrated solely in the private sector. He urged policymakers to jointly protect workers’ rights, ensure children’s safety from such technologies, and reduce fierce competition among AI companies.
"What is needed now is a serious political commitment and engagement capable of slowing things down when everything else is speeding up," he stated.
He also called for "strong legal frameworks, independent oversight, technology-literate users, and political systems that do not abdicate their responsibilities."
The papal encyclical is one of the highest forms of teaching from the head of the Roman Catholic Church, addressed to about 1.4 billion Christians worldwide. The nearly 43,000-word document released this past Monday was prepared almost immediately after Pope Leo was elected just over a year ago.
In the encyclical, Pope Leo condemned the many wars causing global turmoil today, expressed sorrow over weakened multilateral organizations, and warned that profits from the arms industry are a key driver behind conflicts.
Pope Leo also issued the clearest statement ever from a pontiff rejecting the “Just War Theory,” a doctrine the Church has used since at least the 5th century to evaluate global conflicts.
The theory generally holds that war should only occur in self-defense against aggression. In recent years, officials in Donald Trump’s administration, including Catholic Vice President J.D. Vance, have invoked this theory to justify the Iran war.
"The 'Just War Theory,' often overused to legitimize all forms of war, is now outdated," Pope Leo declared. "The use of force, violence, and weapons reflects a deep relational poverty that usually results in disastrous consequences for civilians."
The Pope also expressed concern that some national leaders might wage war simply to distract their populations from domestic problems.
"We cannot rule out that some leaders see armed conflict as an effective way to divert attention from internal issues and as a shameless tool to manage their difficulties," he concluded.
The encyclical also condemns what Pope Leo calls a “new form of slavery” faced by those maintaining AI systems, including factory workers producing technology like computers and smartphones that power AI.
"In parts of the world, children and youth work in dangerous conditions, including extracting rare earth minerals," the Pope noted. "Their bodies suffer wounds, injuries, and wear to keep the data processing streams flowing seamlessly. This truth deeply challenges our moral conscience today."
Furthermore, Pope Leo acknowledged that the Roman Catholic Church did not seriously condemn the transatlantic slave trade until the 19th century, offering a personal apology.
"This is a wound in the memory of Christians," he stated. "Therefore, on behalf of the Church, I sincerely apologize."
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Source:cna