Pope Leo XIV's encyclical warns of AI's threat to human dignity and democracy

Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, will address growing concerns about artificial intelligence and its impact on human dignity. The document is expected to focus on protecting children’s development, the value of human work, and the risks AI poses to self-governance. Meanwhile, faith leaders and organisations are taking steps to shape how AI is developed and used in society. The encyclical comes as debates over AI’s ethical implications intensify. Pope Leo XIV’s message will serve as both a warning and a call to action, urging safeguards for human rights in an era of rapid technological change. It will emphasise the need to defend children’s education, preserve meaningful work, and prevent AI from undermining democratic decision-making.

One figure at the centre of these discussions is Brian J.A. Boyd, the U.S. faith liaison for the Future of Life Institute. His role involves engaging with religious communities across America to address their concerns and hopes about AI. Recently, Boyd contributed to an amicus brief filed by Catholic moral theologians and ethicists in a legal case involving AI company Anthropic and the Department of War. The Future of Life Institute, founded in 2014, works to steer advanced technologies—particularly AI—toward benefiting humanity while reducing extreme risks. The organisation recently closed a funding round to support projects helping faith groups articulate their needs and push for societal changes in AI policy. Anthropic, a leading AI firm, is accelerating efforts to replace human workers with automated systems. The company argues that certain risks are justified in pursuit of a future reshaped by AI. This stance has drawn criticism from religious and ethical leaders who fear unchecked development could harm vulnerable populations.

The encyclical’s release will mark a significant moment in the global conversation about AI ethics. Religious leaders, advocacy groups, and policymakers are increasingly collaborating to ensure technology aligns with human values. The outcome of these efforts could influence how AI is governed and deployed in the years ahead.