On Monday, May 23,2026, Pope Leo issued an encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity) in which he embraced the reality of AI in the life and world of Christians and all citizens of the world.
An encyclical is an official teaching document on the Doctrine and practice of the Church. It is meant for a worldwide audience.
This fits in with the social doctrine of the Church. There has been a steady and progressive development of the implications for Christians (and all other peoples) about the emerging issues that have arisen in the life of Christiain people. The social doctrine of the Church is an evolvement of the entire believing community, worldwide. The pope does not sit down at his desk and create this teaching out of his own perspective. This evolves out of the concerns of concerned Christians seeking to live a life of justice and peace. It arises out of the conferences of bishops (each country has one) and it comes together at the level of the pope and the central church government.
Five days after publication I would say the most significant thing is to have everyone ask how is AI benefitting human beings. Are we advancing forward as human beings if larger numbers of people will be pushed out of their jobs and their production.. Machines/AI will take over. What if the first noticeable consequence of AI is the elimination of jobs? What then?
All humans need to work; to make a contribution and to establish their worth in this world. We need to work to feel like a worthwhile human being.
On this point I want to share an observation that Janice Stein ( a well-weathered expert on world affairs, war and peace). When asked what the most dangerous thing in the world she replied., “large number of unemployed fifteen to twenty-four old unemployed males.” This is exactly where incredible civil unrest begins to smolder. They are frustrated. They feel of no worth and so they hit the streets!
Humans need to work. Humans find great meaning and purpose in their work.
What if AI eliminates huge number of workers?
This is only a beginning question that arises from Pope Loe’ encyclical.
What do you think?
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