Citing Gandalf, Pope Leo says we must “disarm” AI

In a significant address delivered in Rome, Pope Leo XIV unveiled his inaugural encyclical titled 'Magnifica Humanitas' ('Magnificent Humanity'), emphasizing the urgent need to 'disarm' artificial intelligence for the benefit of society. Accompanied by one of the co-founders of Anthropic, the Pope acknowledged the gravity of his words, stating that the term 'disarmament' was intentionally chosen to provoke thought, awaken moral awareness, and guide humanity's future. The encyclical spans 40,000 words and provides a comprehensive critique of AI-driven autonomous weaponry, the exploitative tendencies in data collection, and the monopolization of emerging assets like patents and algorithms. However, it does not stop at critique; it seeks to transform Catholic social teaching to address contemporary challenges posed by AI. Pope Leo calls upon individuals to actively participate in the creation of a 'civilization of love,' where technology serves humanity rather than undermines it. Pope Leo drew parallels between today's technological landscape and the historical context of the 1891 encyclical 'Rerum Novarum' ('New Things'), which addressed the rights of workers amidst capitalist changes. He warns that, similar to the past, individuals must not be marginalized by rapid technological advancements or the new powers they bring. He expresses concern over the influence of technological elites, likening their control to that of colonial powers, and urges for a collective effort to ensure that humanity remains at the forefront of innovation and progress.