In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued the encyclical "Rerum Novarum" ("New Things"), which highlighted the value of labor and the importance of a just salary.
It was also a conditional support for private ownership and a criticism of socialism.
Now, on the 135th anniversary of that encyclical, Pope Leo XIV presents "Magnifica Humanitas: On Protecting the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."
The pope starts by thoughtfully presenting the ethical foundation that should support AI, and then he delves into his topic in depth.
Leo references Saint John Paul II, who embraced "the emergence of democracy and the market economy."
He focuses on this theme, highlighting the right to private ownership, and points out that "it is consistently secondary" to the well-being of the community.
That conclusion assumes that we are more than just a collection of individuals; instead, we are "interconnected" and share responsibility for the Commonwealth.
In order to support the shared well-being, the pope emphasizes that we should follow the principle of subsidiarity, which suggests that, in theory, civic responsibilities should be managed at the level nearest to the person.
To reach this goal, we need to enhance "the structure of groups and local communities while preventing additional concentration of authority."
Leo emphasizes linking human rights with human dignity. Because of our inherent human dignity, human rights are "universal and cannot be taken away," and among these rights "the most fundamental is the right to life, from conception until its natural conclusion."
He clearly references abortion and euthanasia as actions that contradict human dignity and infringe upon human rights. Therefore, does this lay the groundwork for a conversation about artificial intelligence? Fundamentally, he recognizes that AI is here to remain, regardless of people's preferences.
In contrast to certain media reports, he does not stand against it; instead, his concern lies with its misuse by unethical individuals and organizations.
Likewise, there have been incorrect reports that when he states he wishes to "disarm" AI, he does not intend to eliminate it.
To neutralize," he states, "does not involve rejecting technology, but rather ensuring it does not take control of human life.
He states that technology can serve as a positive or negative influence. He urges us to be cautious of the "risk of dehumanization," meaning "creating a future that excludes God and treats others as mere tools."
The digital revolution, as the Holy Father states, has altered the concept of subsidiarity.
The State is no longer the highest authority — instead, it is those who control technological knowledge that have the power to significantly reshape society.
This implies that we need to safeguard against the concentration of data and control over decision-making. We should oppose technology entities that aim to enforce their large-scale plans upon us.
Artificial intelligence is not human. Leo provides this thought-provoking point: "So-called artificial intelligences do not have experiences, do not have a physical form, do not feel happiness or sadness, do not grow through interactions, and do not understand from the inside what love, work, friendship, or responsibility mean."
They also lack a moral compass, as they do not distinguish between right and wrong, understand the deeper significance of events, or take accountability for outcomes.
Although AI lacks a moral compass, the pope quickly emphasizes that "we cannot view AI as morally neutral." This is because "every technological tool reflects decisions and values through what it measures, overlooks, and prioritizes, as well as how it categorizes individuals and circumstances."
What concernses him is the fact that "small but very powerful groups can influence information and consumer behavior," and impact political and economic systems in their favor, rather than for the benefit of everyone.
One of the most significant risks associated with AI is the possibility of transhumanism and posthumanism.
It is certainly true that the ideal of human perfection is a fixation for certain technocrats. In fact, some believe they have the ability to produce a blending of human beings.
If a person is viewed as something to be improved or outdone," Leo cautions, "it becomes simpler to justify that certain lives hold less value, appeal, or merit.
The pope is also skilled at observing how children without supervision are being consumed by electronic devices and how social media is impacting their mental well-being.
Reduced focus, lack of sleep, and difficulty managing emotions — these issues are widely recognized. Exposure to pornographic content, sexually explicit material, and online bullying pose risks to young people's mental health.
He warns us against letting AI turn us into a new kind of servitude.
We are being transformed into "data" that enables our tracking and classification as "packages" to be relocated without care. Simply "invoking efficiency" is insufficient, particularly when it leads to a "chain of exploitation."
Pope Leo concludes with a request that AI should not be given control over military capabilities.
No algorithm can render war morally justifiable. Following Pope Francis, he claims the 'just war' theory is 'outdated.' He did not present a different perspective.
Science informs us about what is possible. It does not dictate what we ought to do.
This influential encyclical has the potential to appeal to a readership that extends far beyond the Catholic population.
Pope Leo the Fourteenth has provided us with much to consider.
Dr. Bill Donohue serves as the president and CEO of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, and has written numerous books concerning civil liberties, social matters, and religious topics. He earned his Ph.D. in sociology from New York University. Discover more articles about Dr. Bill Donohue from Insider —Click Here Now.
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