Pope Leo launches an AI commission days before he releases a papal letter (fortune.com)

Pope Leo XIV has announced the creation of a new Vatican commission on artificial intelligence, a significant step as he prepares to release his first papal encyclical addressing AI's ethical implications. This commission aims to unify the Catholic Church’s approach to AI, facilitating collaboration across various Vatican institutions and establishing policies for responsible AI use within the Holy See. The formation of this body comes at a time when global discussions on regulating AI remain contentious, positioning the Vatican to contribute a moral perspective focused on human dignity, labor rights, and justice. The upcoming encyclical, titled "Magnifica Humanitas," draws parallels to Pope Leo XIII's historical document addressing labor rights during the Industrial Revolution. It is expected to explore the impacts of AI on individuals and work environments, emphasizing the need for responsible use of AI technologies. Pope Leo, the first American pope and a former math major, has articulated concerns about AI as a challenge to human dignity while also recognizing its potential benefits. His focus on moral teaching rather than regulatory compliance highlights the Vatican's intent to influence the global discourse on AI's societal impacts, especially in contrast to existing legal frameworks in other regions.