The Catholic Church and AI: Pope Leo’s First Encyclical Explained

2026-05-25

The Catholic Church and AI: Pope Leo's First Encyclical Explained In this installment of Godsplaining Reacts, Fr. Patrick unpacks Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, an in-depth reflection on artificial intelligence, technology, truth, work, power, and the dignity of the human person. More than merely “the AI encyclical,” Fr. Patrick argues that Magnifica Humanitas is fundamentally about anthropology: who are we and what are we for? Drawing from Scripture, Catholic social teachi...

The Catholic Church and AI: Pope Leo's First Encyclical Explained

In this installment of Godsplaining Reacts, Fr. Patrick unpacks Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, an in-depth reflection on artificial intelligence, technology, truth, work, power, and the dignity of the human person.

More than merely “the AI encyclical,” Fr. Patrick argues that Magnifica Humanitas is fundamentally about anthropology: who are we and what are we for?

Drawing from Scripture, Catholic social teaching, and the Christian understanding of transcendence, Fr. Patrick sheds light on the Church’s engagement with technology, from the Vatican’s Minerva Dialogues to recent teachings on AI ethics and digital life. As it turns out, the most serious challenge with AI is not technological, but spiritual.

What questions do you have regarding Magnifica Humanitas? Let us know in the comments for a chance to have your questions answered in the next installment of Godsplaining Reacts.

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