Pope Leo XIV issues AI encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas,' calling for AI regulation and child protection, and criticizing the 'new slavery' of the AI era

Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” taking aim at AI’s claimed neutrality and calling for tighter regulation.

He warned that AI can harm children, deepen labor exploitation, and undermine human dignity if left unchecked.

The encyclical also highlights the danger of autonomous weapons and urges human-centered oversight of AI use.

The Vatican’s move pushes AI ethics, child protection, and limits on military use higher on the global policy agenda.