Pope Leo XIV released the 42,300‑word encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, warning that AI amplifies existing power gaps and could impose a single moral vision on society. The Vatican’s message arrives as tech giants pour hundreds of billions into AI R&D.

The encyclical criticizes Silicon Valley’s unchecked growth, noting that without oversight, AI may entrench the wealth and expertise of a few. It echoes past papal calls for worker rights, positioning the Pope as a moral counterweight to tech influence.

California’s governor signed a bill to study AI’s employment effects, while Trump’s near‑signature of a federal review law shows political friction. Elon Musk’s recent legal setback against OpenAI highlights the volatility of the industry.

The Vatican’s intervention could pressure companies to adopt transparent governance models, potentially reshaping investment flows and regulatory scrutiny in the AI sector.