AI ETHICS
The moral audit
Pope Leo has released the first major teaching document of his papacy, warning that artificial intelligence needs to be “disarmed”.
The document, called Magnifica Humanitas or “Magnificent Humanity”, focuses on the risks of AI and the responsibility of those building and using it.
The Pope said the word “disarmed” was chosen on purpose because the issue needs urgent attention.
The letter also included one of the Vatican’s strongest apologies for the Catholic Church’s role in slavery.
Leo said the Church feels deep sorrow for the suffering caused and asked for pardon.
He linked this history to AI, warning that the world could once again become too comfortable with exploitation.
He pointed to risks in how AI is made and used, describing the threat of “new digital slaveries” and “digital colonialism”.
The Pope also criticised the use of AI in warfare, saying no algorithm can make war morally acceptable.
He warned that AI could make conflict faster, colder and more detached by reducing people to data.
Three things stand out:
Pope Leo is treating AI as a moral issue with real-world consequences.
He warned about AI’s role in exploitation, war, politics and digital colonialism.
The Vatican wants developers and leaders to take more responsibility, but its impact is still uncertain.
We’re in confessions
Leo also raised concerns about AI in politics, especially when it is used to manipulate images, videos or public opinion.
The document was presented at the Vatican alongside AI experts, including Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic.
Olah said AI companies face pressures that can sometimes clash with doing the right thing, and that AI’s biggest questions should not be left only to computer scientists.
The Pope has now set up a commission to continue this work, but it is still unclear how much influence the Vatican can have over such a fast-moving industry.
When the pope talks, we should probably listen - MV