Pope Leo Issues First Encyclical Urging AI Development Slowdown

Pope Leo released his first major encyclical Monday, calling on world governments to slow the development of artificial intelligence systems. The 43,000-word document, titled "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity), warns that rapid AI advancement spreads misinformation, creates conflicting priorities, and risks global conflict.

The pontiff urged policymakers to prevent AI data ownership from remaining solely in private hands, protect workers' rights, safeguard children from the technology, and reduce competition among AI companies. Leo emphasized the need for "robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility."

The encyclical, one of the highest forms of papal teaching directed at the Church's 1.4 billion members, has been in development since Leo's election over a year ago.