In first encyclical, Pope Leo calls for regulations on AI
In his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV called for artificial intelligence “to be disarmed,” a word choice he called “strong” but “deliberately chosen.”
“This moment needs words capable of attracting attention,” Leo said.
Leo’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” has been highly anticipated since early in his papacy, when he declared AI the biggest challenge facing humanity. An encyclical in Catholicism is a letter written by the pope to the church, often detailing matters of morality and social issues.
Leo noted that artificial intelligence is dramatically changing how war is waged, citing autonomous weapons systems operating “beyond human reach.” He also mentioned algorithms that can block access to healthcare and employment.
“Let’s not fear artificial intelligence but constantly keep the question of the human in play. We cannot be careless with our most powerful technical instruments,” he said.
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