The Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV and Christopher Olah, co-founder of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, will jointly launch the pontiff’s first encyclical focused on AI ethics on May 25. The document, titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), emphasizes the protection of human dignity amid rapid AI advancements.
This encyclical sets itself apart not only by its subject matter but also by the prominence of its public unveiling. Unlike typical Vatican releases held in the press room with limited attendance, the launch will take place in the main auditorium, featuring senior Vatican figures, including two leading cardinals and prominent theologians alongside Olah. The Vatican secretary of state will conclude the event before the pope delivers a speech and blessing.
Pope Leo XIV, who has prioritized AI issues during his tenure, underscores the need for careful oversight, especially concerning AI’s use in warfare. His focus recalls the landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum issued 135 years earlier by Pope Leo XIII, which addressed social and economic upheaval during the Industrial Revolution. The new document is expected to frame AI’s disruptive potential within the church’s longstanding teachings on labor, justice, and peace.
The involvement of Christopher Olah is notable amid heightened tensions between Anthropic and the U.S. government. Earlier this year, the Trump administration restricted its agencies from using Anthropic’s AI technology and imposed penalties due to disagreements over military use. Anthropic has accused the administration of unlawful retaliation and is pursuing legal action. This collaboration signals the Vatican’s intent to engage proactively with the evolving debates around AI governance and ethics.
Anthropic, formed by former OpenAI researchers seeking stricter safety protocols for artificial general intelligence (AGI), reflects a growing emphasis within the tech community on responsible AI development. The new encyclical aims to offer moral and social guidance as AI technologies continue to reshape global society.