Pope Leo's 'Magnifica humanitas': AI must serve humanity not concentrate power (www.vaticannews.va)

Pope Leo XIV recently released his first encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence," emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) should serve humanity rather than concentrate power in the hands of a few. Published on May 25, 2023, the encyclical advocates for an ethical framework around AI, stressing the importance of developing technologies guided by a moral compass focused on the common good, human dignity, and social justice. The Pope warns against the potential for AI to exacerbate societal inequalities and calls for collective responsibility in shaping its development. The encyclical outlines five guiding principles for the integration of technology in society—including the common good and the rights of minority groups—while cautioning that any technological advancements that disregard these principles could lead to a "new Tower of Babel." Notably, Pope Leo XIV critiques transhumanism and advocates for a technological approach that preserves human limitations, suggesting that true progress should enhance the human experience rather than undermine it. This document could significantly influence how the AI/ML community approaches ethical development, ensuring that technology complements human needs rather than undermines societal structures.