Pope Leo XIV’s AI encyclical extends invitation, challenge

This column first appeared in the Seattle Times.

On May 25, Pope Leo XIV will release his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”), which is one of highest forms of Church teaching. His letter, which will be released with Christopher Olah, the co-founder of artificial intelligence company Anthropic, addresses the reality of the human person in the context of today’s dominating reality of artificial intelligence.

Science and technology have always been an expression of the human genius demonstrating our creative potential. The goal of human activity is to make the world a better place to serve the common good of all people according to their unique and shared dignity, respecting the “magnificent” beauty of the human family.  

Today, however, with the rapid pace of technological developments, especially AI, the human family faces new realities that jeopardize the well-being and life of people and the world in which we live.

AI, with all its positive contributions, is totally reliant upon what has already been produced by genuine human knowledge, intellect and wisdom. AI can only imitate human intelligence — it cannot replace human attributes such as emotion, and values like mercy, compassion and forgiveness.

Algorithms cannot take the place of morally responsible human oversight. Moral judgment and decision-making are inherent human acts that cannot be replaced by machines or technology. Human oversight of the development and use of AI applications and products is essential for true advancement of human society.

The challenge before the human family, and thus the AI industry, is to apply this new technology in ways that truly benefit the human family — such as education, agriculture and healthcare — and in a manner that serves all people, without leaving behind the marginalized or poor.

To best understand this newest papal encyclical, we must ask: “What makes a person genuinely human?” This begins to put into perspective what is required for serving humanity well with technology that advances true relationships, justice and peace.

A region such as ours is full of tremendous energy around new technology, and that’s something that can and should make us proud. Organizations like Microsoft have been in dialogue for years about how to ethically develop and use AI. Now, Pope Leo has extended that invitation of dialogue to the entire world. I hope individuals and companies alike are now willing to accept it.

Read more reflections and homilies from Archbishop Etienne on his Truth in Love blog.