Pope Says Slower Pace of Developing AI Might Be Needed to Protect the ‘Human Family’

Pope Leo XIV called for ‘robust legal frameworks’ and independent oversight of the development of artificial intelligence, which he says threatens humanity.

Pope Leo XIV prepares to speak during the presentation of "Magnifica humanitas", his first encyclical, focused on the rise of artificial intelligence, at the Vatican's Aula Nuova del Sinodo, on May 25, 2026. Yara Nardi/Reuters

Pope Leo XIV published a document on May 25 that calls for robust regulation and independent oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) and for AI developers not to lose sight of the common good in their quest for profit and technological dominance.

“Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”) is the U.S.-born pope’s first encyclical and is the Vatican’s first entry into the AI debate.