Pope Leo released his first papal encyclical, a 42,300-word document that tackles artificial intelligence. He warns that AI systems merely imitate human cognition, lacking experience, emotion, or moral conscience. While acknowledging speed and computational benefits, the Pontiff stresses that equating machine output with human wisdom is a dangerous misconception. Its influence must be guided by ethical and spiritual principles.

Accompanying the manifesto, Anthropic co‑founder Christopher Olah discussed regulatory needs. Leo calls for robust tools that prevent wealth concentration and curb the distorting power of technology. He urges governments to bar AI from autonomous weapons decisions and to protect children from violent or exploitative AI‑generated content. The Pope also proposes an educational alliance to teach critical AI literacy in schools.

Leo stresses that AI should never justify mass job loss; instead, he recommends retraining programs and employment safeguards for displaced workers. While rejecting a view of AI as hostile, he acknowledges its potential to expand human horizons if governed responsibly. The Vatican’s recent partnership with Translated to provide AI‑powered Mass translations illustrates a cautious embrace of the technology.