Introduction
The first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), is a timely teaching that addresses the challenges confronting humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging the opportunities and crises arising from rapid technological advancement, the encyclical proclaims the unique dignity of the human person. It further emphasizes that the challenges posed by artificial intelligence are not merely ethical or technological, but fundamentally theological and anthropological. This article reflects on the moral vigilance proposed by the Holy Father in response to these emerging challenges.
Some regard artificial intelligence as the solution to virtually every problem confronting the modern world. Its applications are sought not only in education and healthcare but also as remedies for many social problems such as loneliness, alienation, and the growing absence of authentic human relationships. It is within this context that the significance of this encyclical, which proposes clear moral principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, becomes particularly evident.
In one sense, the possibilities of artificial intelligence appear limitless. It can enhance efficiency, facilitate new discoveries, and contribute significantly to economic development. At the same time, however, its risks cannot be ignored. Artificial intelligence has already begun to influence the world in ways that can threaten democracy, truth, social relationships, human freedom, and personal integrity. As the Holy Father observes: “Technology has the power to heal, connect, educate and protect our common home. Yet it also has the power to divide, exclude, and create new forms of injustice” (#9).
Rather than rejecting technology, Pope Leo calls upon humanity to use it with prudence, wisdom, justice, concern for the marginalized, and a profound commitment to the care of creation (#85). In a world where technology evolves with extraordinary speed, it is essential that human beings remain firmly rooted interiorly. No machine, however sophisticated, can replace the inner freedom and moral conscience that God has bestowed upon every human person (#233).
Moral Challenges
This encyclical offers an important response to the question of whether the use of artificial intelligence is morally acceptable. According to the Holy Father, technology is neither inherently good nor evil. Its moral value depends upon the manner in which it is used. The decisive question is not simply whether artificial intelligence is technologically advanced, but whether it genuinely promotes human flourishing and the common good.
Artificial intelligence becomes dangerous when it neglects the moral, spiritual, and relational dimensions of human life. Whenever its use threatens human dignity, human rights, freedom, equal opportunity, or the very nature of the human person, its ethical implications demand serious consideration (#102).
The encyclical identifies several areas of concern affecting human life, including employment insecurity and growing inequality (#151), the misuse of personal data and violations of privacy (#102), ideological biases embedded within technological systems (#102), the development of autonomous weapons capable of making lethal decisions (#197), and transhumanist attempts to enhance human beings through technology (#115). The fundamental question that must guide every application of artificial intelligence is whether it truly serves humanity and safeguards authentic human dignity (#85, 112).
Two Symbols: Two Approaches
To illustrate the moral principles governing the use of artificial intelligence, the Holy Father employs two powerful biblical images: the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1–9) and the Rebuilding of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. These represent two radically different approaches to technological progress.
The Tower of Babel symbolizes a culture driven by power, the thirst for domination, excessive self-confidence, and technological arrogance. Those who built the tower shared one language, one technology, and one common objective. Yet they deliberately excluded God and sought uniformity by suppressing diversity.
By contrast, the rebuilding of Jerusalem under Nehemiah offers a model of responsible technological leadership. Rather than acting as an authoritarian ruler, Nehemiah listened to the people, shared responsibilities, encouraged participation, and fostered collaborative leadership. The reconstruction of Jerusalem stands as a model of prayer, sacrifice, mutual cooperation, and dependence upon God. Likewise, Pope Leo teaches that technology must be developed through dialogue, participation, and shared responsibility. Rather than being imposed from above, technological development should respect every person and promote collaborative participation (#7, 8, 90).
Discernment in the Digital Age
The moral principle proposed by Pope Leo for evaluating the use of technology is the Christian virtue of discernment. Although artificial intelligence is an immensely valuable tool, it is not morally neutral (#100). Those who design, finance, regulate, and use artificial intelligence inevitably shape it according to their own intentions and priorities. Therefore, understanding its objectives and underlying assumptions is indispensable for its ethical use (#9, 104).
However advanced artificial intelligence may become, it lacks genuinely human experience, emotional relationships, and interior consciousness. Its responses do not arise from lived experience. Nor does it possess a moral conscience capable of understanding the deeper meaning of situations or distinguishing between good and evil.
The Holy Father warns that excessive dependence on artificial intelligence can weaken human creativity, critical thinking, and moral judgment (#99). He also proposes several practical questions to guide ethical discernment in the digital age. Is the artificial intelligence we use committed to truth? Are the sources on which it relies trustworthy? Does it strengthen human relationships and genuinely serve others? Does it promote justice and peace? Ultimately, does it contribute to the authentic good of the human family? (#237–240).
Honest reflection on these questions enables individuals and societies to employ artificial intelligence both effectively and responsibly. Prudence, careful evaluation, and, where necessary, restraint will help humanity to use this powerful technology with greater responsibility and deeper commitment to the welfare of the entire human family (#106).
The Pride of Power and the Civilization of Love
Pope Leo XIV concludes the encyclical by presenting the vision of a civilization of love. The arrogance and pride that characterized the construction of the Tower of Babel continue to manifest themselves in many forms throughout the contemporary world. According to the Holy Father, many of today’s conflicts are ultimately rooted in this same spirit of pride (#285).
As an alternative, he proposes the cultivation of a civilization shaped by the culture of love (#185). Such a civilization seeks an economic vision and a political culture founded upon justice and the common good. Mutual solidarity, fraternity, and shared responsibility constitute its essential foundations (#185).
By encouraging humanity to understand one another, to seek the common good, and to acknowledge the limits of human power, this vision offers new horizons of hope to a world deeply wounded by pride, conflict, and division.
Rev. Dr. Saji Mathew Kanayankal, CST
