Pope Leo's encyclical on preserving the human person in the AI era drops May 25 (www.vaticannews.va)

Pope Leo XIV has announced the forthcoming release of his first encyclical, titled "Magnifica humanitas," which will focus on the preservation of humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. Set to be published on May 25, 2026, this encyclical marks a significant reflection on the ethical implications of AI technologies and how they interact with human dignity and societal structures. The timing coincides with the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s influential encyclical, "Rerum novarum," which addressed social justice issues. The encyclical will be unveiled at a special event in the Vatican's Synod Hall, featuring prominent speakers from both religious and technical backgrounds, including leading theologians and AI researchers. This initiative underscores the increasing recognition of the need for interdisciplinary dialogue amidst rapid advancements in AI/ML. By emphasizing the ethical considerations surrounding AI, the encyclical aims to guide both the church and society in navigating the challenges posed by these technologies, ensuring that the development of AI continues to prioritize the human person and ethical norms.