Why the Pope wants to disarm AI

The Catholic Church is increasingly addressing the ethical and economic implications of technological upheaval, drawing parallels between the Industrial Revolution and the rise of artificial intelligence. Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, echoes the 1891 work of Pope Leo XIII, who supported labor unions and a living wage to protect workers from industrial exploitation. While acknowledging AI's efficiency in research and information access, the modern papacy warns against the "de-arming" of human dignity and the risks of anthropomorphizing chatbots, which can erode genuine human relationships. Beyond social concerns, the Church advocates for equitable data ownership and environmental responsibility, arguing that technology must serve humanity rather than a select few. By positioning the Church as a source of human wisdom rather than technical expertise, these papal teachings seek to influence global tech leaders and protect workers from displacement and digital alienation.