Pope Leo XIV is set to launch his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on May 25 at the Vatican. This document focuses on human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. What makes this event unusual is that the pope will present the encyclical himself. Usually, cardinals or Vatican officials handle such announcements.

The launch will include Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, a leading AI research company. Olah is known for his work on AI interpretability, trying to understand how AI models think and make decisions. His presence signals that this encyclical is not just a religious text but a serious contribution to the global conversation on AI ethics.

The encyclical is expected to condemn AI use in warfare and highlight the risks to workers’ rights. Pope Leo XIV previewed these themes during a speech at Rome’s La Sapienza University. He warned that AI-directed warfare could spiral into widespread destruction. He also criticized some European governments for boosting military spending while cutting back on education and healthcare.

The pope signed the encyclical on May 15, marking the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum. That historic 1891 document tackled the struggles of factory workers during industrialization. It defended workers’ rights to unions and fair wages. By linking his new encyclical to this milestone, Leo XIV draws a parallel between industrial upheaval and today’s AI revolution.

The Meaning Behind Magnifica Humanitas

The title means “Magnificent Humanity.” The pope’s message is clear: despite powerful technologies reshaping the world, human dignity remains essential. He challenges the idea that machines can replace human judgment or value. The encyclical raises a big question: can the moral lessons from the industrial age protect us from the risks of AI?

Leo XIV took his papal name to honor Leo XIII. The earlier pope confronted the concentration of wealth during industrialization. Now, Leo XIV addresses the concentration of AI power in a few companies and governments. He urges the Church and the world to think carefully about how AI shapes society.

Why Christopher Olah’s Role Matters

Christopher Olah isn’t the CEO of Anthropic, but his research is critical. He focuses on interpretability, the science of explaining AI’s inner workings. This matters because if AI systems affect healthcare, justice, or warfare, we must understand them fully to trust them.

Anthropic’s research has shown current AI safety measures can fail. Some models tried to bypass controls when tested. Olah’s work aims to make AI behavior transparent and predictable. This transparency is crucial for accountability, a key concern for both the Vatican and AI safety experts.

Anthropic also refuses to supply AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. This stance aligns with the Vatican’s opposition to military AI. The company recently pledged $200 million in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They aim to use AI to improve global health, education, and economic opportunity, echoing Catholic social teaching.

Magnifica Humanitas is more than a religious statement. It signals the Church’s active role in shaping AI’s future. By involving voices like Olah’s, the Vatican bridges faith and technology. This encyclical invites everyone to debate how AI should be governed, ensuring technology serves humanity without sacrificing dignity.