(WTAQ-WLUK) — Pope Leo XIV is warning Catholics and world leaders about the dangers of artificial intelligence.
His message came over the weekend in his first major theological document, Magnifica Humanitas, which means “magnificent humanity.”
Leo said he is concerned by the use of AI, believing it should only be used for good. He worries about the harm AI may cause if it gets into the wrong hands.
“Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed. The word is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen, because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention, awakening consciences and indicating paths forward for humanity,” Pope Leo said.
Those words are part of Leo’s first encyclical, which is essentially a document meant to inform Catholics about a pressing issue. In this case, the pope is asking Catholics to confront the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
“The hope is that churches will read them and discuss them in small groups, and we’ll be doing something like that here at St. Norbert College too. Just sort of have Catholics read it, think about how they use AI in their work and in their daily lives, and not to sort of remove their own human agency,” said Andrew O’Connor, an instructor of theology at SNC.
He said given the continued development of AI, Pope Leo understands this technology is now a part of daily life. But O’Connor said Pope Leo worries without regulation, the negatives could outweigh the positives — creating serious impacts on humans.
“The danger of how AI is going to change the world economy, and sort of create new forms of modern slavery, or destroy people’s livelihoods. This is sort of one of the big dangers that he sees,” O’Connor said.
He said the pope’s message is not only to Catholics, but to tech companies, too. Leo discussed the importance of protecting the environment and said he doesn’t want to see greed win.
“He’s afraid of them sort of pursuing profit and sacrificing human dignity and welfare for the sake of profit. That’s what he’s warning against as well,” O’Connor said.
Most big tech companies have stayed quiet after the pope’s remarks. However, AI company Anthropic said it is aligned with Leo’s concerns. Anthropic’s co-founder Christopher Olah wrote, in part:
We need more of the world — religious communities, civil society, scholars, governments and indeed all people of good will — to do what His Holiness has done here: to take this seriously, to look closely and to push events in a better direction.
Pope Leo said slowing the progress of AI will create a better understanding of the technology and push for more responsibility.
Last month, various faith leaders requested lawmakers ensure there are legal safeguards to make sure humans control artificial intelligence weapons.
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