Pope Leo XIV is set to release a landmark manifesto on artificial intelligence, as the Vatican intensifies efforts to address rising ethical and social concerns linked to the rapid advancement of the technology.
The document, titled, “Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity),” will be formally unveiled on Monday, May 25, at the Vatican in Rome.
The Holy See said the manifesto represents the Pope’s first major teaching dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence and its implications for human dignity, labour rights, and modern society.
Vatican officials said the document will critically examine the growing influence of AI systems across global life, warning of potential risks associated with unchecked technological development.
“The manifesto will examine issues surrounding artificial intelligence, including the risks of autonomous warfare, mass surveillance, digital misinformation and the increasing influence of algorithms on human life,” Vatican officials stated.
Pope Leo XIV has consistently cautioned against delegating life-and-death decisions to machines, stressing that technology must remain subordinate to human judgment and moral responsibility.
He has also emphasized the need for a human-centred approach to innovation, warning that artificial intelligence should serve humanity rather than replace it in critical decision-making processes.
The Vatican’s intervention adds to a growing global debate over AI regulation, with governments, tech companies, and religious institutions increasingly weighing in on how to balance innovation with ethical safeguards.
The Magnifica Humanitas manifesto is expected to position the Vatican as a key moral voice in international discussions on the future of artificial intelligence.
