Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, has become known for his moderate views. His interests lie more in practical and pastoral matters, as opposed to the academic theological pursuits of his predecessors such as John Paul II and Benedict XVI. His first encyclical letter, ‘Magnifica Humanitas’, was introduced recently and addresses the topic of artificial intelligence.
‘Magnifica Humanitas’ strives to present artificial intelligence as a tool and not an inherent evil. Despite acknowledging risks, it does not offer a radical stance. The document opens with the Tower of Babel, a potent biblical image of technological ambition. Yet, it ignores the essence of the tale—warning against its construction rather than advising ethical building practices.
The encyclical is criticized for lacking inspiration and coherence. It includes numerous forgettable quotes and out-of-context references, leaving readers wanting more interaction with modern critics like Byung-Chul Han and Anton Jäger. Some find the text naïve, not matching the revolution sparked by Leo XIII’s ‘Rerum Novarum’ on social teaching during the Industrial Revolution.
The attendance of Christopher Olah, a co-founder of Anthropic, an AI company, at the encyclical’s launch, has been met with skepticism. This situation is likened to inviting industrial magnate John D. Rockefeller to discuss labor dignity, highlighting potential conflicts.