Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power

Pope Leo XIV’s first Encyclical Letter Magnifica humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence, was released today, Monday 25 May 2026.

It bears the Pope’s signature dated May 15th, the 135th anniversary of the publication of Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum novarum.

The encyclical develops the Churchʼs social teaching in light of artificial intelligence, situating new questions of human dignity, labour, and the common good within the tradition that runs from Rerum Novarum through Centesimus Annus and Laudato Si’.

Click here to read the Encyclical in English.

Click here to read the Encyclical in Spanish.

Click here for a summary of what’s in each of the five chapters.

Mercy International Association will devote its next Communications Café to the Holy Father’s encyclical. Dates and speaker information will be available soon.

In the meantime our Head of Communications, Brenda Drumm shares a short reflection on a first reading of the encyclical:

"Pope Leo’s encyclical on artificial intelligence is a significant contribution to the Church’s social teaching at a moment when technological change is reshaping societies across the globe. Its message is particularly important for those of us committed to justice, human dignity, and the wellbeing of communities that are too often left behind.

"As a Mercy family inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, we welcome the Holy Father’s call to ensure that technology remains at the service of humanity, especially those who are poor, vulnerable, or excluded. Artificial intelligence holds great promise in areas such as healthcare, education, and communication, yet it also raises serious ethical concerns regarding justice, human relationships, employment, and the protection of human dignity.

"From the perspective of Mercy International Association, the encyclical challenges us to ask not only what AI can do, but whom it serves. While artificial intelligence offers opportunities for innovation and development, there is a real danger that its benefits will be concentrated in wealthier nations and among those who already possess economic and technological power. Without careful ethical governance, AI could deepen existing inequalities between the Global North and the Global South.

"For many communities in the Global South, the daily realities of poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, food insecurity, displacement, and the impacts of climate change remain urgent concerns. If AI is developed and deployed without considering these realities, it risks reinforcing existing patterns of exclusion and marginalisation. The voices and experiences of those living in poverty must be at the centre of conversations about technological progress, rather than becoming an afterthought.

"The Holy Father reminds us that genuine progress is measured not by technological sophistication alone, but by its contribution to the common good and the flourishing of all people. The true test of AI will be whether it helps create a more just and equitable world, expands opportunities for those on the margins, and upholds the dignity of every person.

“As a global Mercy community, we are called to advocate for policies and practices that ensure emerging technologies serve humanity rather than narrow interests. In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, may we continue to ask how artificial intelligence can become an instrument of mercy, justice, and hope - especially for those whose needs are greatest and whose voices are least heard.”

ENDS