In the first major theological document of his papacy, Pope Leo warned humanity on the dangers of underregulated AI development—alwhile being flanked by one of the biggest players in AI. “In the era of artificial intelligence, when human dignity is threatened by new forms of dehumanization, ours is the pressing duty to remain profoundly human,” the Pope wrote in his 43,000-word encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas. In the document, the Pope tries to contend with how the technological advancements coming out of Silicon Valley dehumanize society by reducing “the mystery of the person into data and performance” in the never-ending technological quest for perfection. He calls on the industry to avoid “the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak” and urges “more active political involvement” in the development of AI. “Calling for prudence, rigorous evaluation and even, at times, a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family,” the Pope wrote.
AI’s impact on jobs and welfare The Pope’s encyclical touches on everything from the impact of AI companions to the proliferation of AI deepfakes, but it particular, it spends time raising concerns about the impact AI will have on the job market and warfare. Over the past year, corporate AI initiatives have been cited as the driver of layoffs and hiring reduction decisions across several industries, but particularly in tech. According to a recent report, 99% of CEOs expect headcount reductions within the next two years because of AI, further fueling fears of a looming AI-driven white-collar unemployment crisis.
