Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical Criticizes AI Power Centralization with Call for “Disarming Technology”

Pope Leo XIV Sounds the Alarm for the AI Era

On May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV of the Catholic Church issued his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. Far from being merely a religious document, this text addresses the profound ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies on society. Its release has sent ripples through the entire technology industry. At the core of the encyclical lies a deep concern about how modern digital technologies, particularly AI, have led to the excessive concentration of power in the hands of a few global giants. The Pope points out how algorithms determine what we see, filter the content we read, and even influence decisions about jobs, information, and collective choices. AI, according to him, is more than just a tool—it has become an invisible infrastructure embedded in modern daily life.

Historical Context:

Comparing the Industrial and Digital Revolutions Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV situates this issue within the tradition of Catholic social teaching, particularly referencing Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed labor issues during the height of the Industrial Revolution. This year marks the 135th anniversary of that seminal document. While Rerum Novarum dealt with the “new things”

(res novae) of the 19th century—factories, labor, and industrial capitalism—Pope Leo XIV identifies today’s “new things” as digital platforms, algorithms, data, and automated systems. These, he argues, are reshaping power dynamics, economies, and social relations. The encyclical is not a technical manual on innovation but an attempt to interpret digital transformation through the lenses of human dignity and the common good. Technology, the Pope emphasizes, is not inherently evil; it is part of human creativity and history. However, the current situation is unprecedented in both scale and depth. “Never before has humanity wielded such immense power over itself,” the document observes, describing technologies that increasingly shape decision-making processes, collective imagination, and social life.

The Key Concept of “Disarming Technology”

A pivotal concept introduced in the encyclical is “disarming technology.” This does not imply slowing down AI development or denying its transformative potential. For Pope Leo XIV, to “disarm technology” means preventing it from becoming a form of power that dominates human existence. The issue is not technology itself but how it is organized and applied. The Pope notes that AI is now part of a global competition for “the most powerful algorithms” and “the largest data centers,” with geopolitical implications. In this context, a few players monopolize digital infrastructure, data, and computing power. This monopoly impacts information flow, the economy, and even democracy. To “disarm” technology, according to the encyclical, means breaking this equation—decoupling technological advancements from the excessive concentration of power.

The Modern “Res Novae”:

Platforms and Algorithms in Today’s World Pope Leo XIV’s analysis sharply critiques the structure of today’s technology industry. The modern “res novae”

are not physical factories but digital platforms and the algorithms that drive them. These systems increasingly determine what we know, who we connect with, and how we work. The encyclical argues that this transformation is not merely economic or technological but raises fundamental questions about power and social justice. It asks: What happens to human dignity, the protection of truth, labor, social justice, and peace when decision-making is delegated to the logic of algorithms? This resonates with recent debates on AI ethics, such as algorithmic bias, surveillance capitalism, and the impact of automation on employment. However, Pope Leo XIV’s approach is more deeply rooted in a human-centric perspective than in specific policy recommendations. He reaffirms the principle that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.

Geopolitical Dimensions and Challenges for

Global Governance The encyclical also addresses the geopolitical dimensions of AI development, noting that “competitive advantage is becoming geopolitical.”

The race to develop and deploy AI has become a central theme in international relations, with major nations investing heavily in this field. This competition has evolved into a struggle for control over global digital infrastructure. The Pope warns that if this race comes to be dominated by a few nations or corporations, it will exacerbate global power imbalances and threaten democratic values. This concern ties directly into ongoing international debates about data localization, technology standards, and the governance of cyberspace. In this context, the concept of “disarming” extends beyond its military connotation. It calls for a fundamental rethinking of the power dynamics surrounding technology and the need to create a fairer, more inclusive framework for global cooperation.

A Future for Technology Rooted in Human

Dignity The very title of the encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), underscores the Pope’s message that technological progress must serve the richness of human existence. The encyclical advocates not for rejecting technological development but for orienting it toward human dignity and the common good. This serves as a call to action for developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and citizens alike. When designing algorithms, collecting data, and operating platforms, it is crucial to deeply consider their social impact and ethical implications. Technology is not neutral; it reflects the values and intentions of the people who create and use it. Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical tackles one of the most fundamental questions the technology industry faces today: In an era of rapidly evolving AI, what kind of society do we want to build, and how can we harness technology’s power for the well-being of all humanity? This document invites profound reflection not just within the Church but among all stakeholders in the global technological ecosystem.