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Pope Leo XIV shined a much-needed spotlight on AI, say experts: There's 'no humanity without other people’
In May, Pope Leo XIV discussed artificial intelligence in his encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas."
TL;DR
- Pope Leo XIV published a 42,000-word encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence."
- The encyclical discussed AI policies, the risks of concentrated power, and the nature of AI-human relationships.
- Pope Leo XIV stated that AI does not experience emotions, mature through relationships, or understand concepts like love or responsibility.
- A 2025 survey indicated over half of Americans have some kind of relationship with an AI system.
- Experts Vaile Wright and Omri Gillath emphasize that successful human relationships are reciprocal, unlike one-sided AI interactions.
- Human relationships, though challenging, build resilience, self-awareness, and help develop values and goals.
- AI relationships can potentially increase loneliness and user dependency on technology.
- AI is engineered to keep users engaged, and its capabilities are limited, especially in areas like mental health support.
- Ultimately, genuine human connection is considered essential for humanity.