The Idea of ‘Disarming Artificial Intelligence’: A Message from Magnifica Humanitas
The Idea of ‘Disarming Artificial Intelligence’: A Message from Magnifica Humanitas
Publish Date: 2026-07-04 01:39:00
Source Domain: countercurrents.org
On 25 May 2026, Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, entitled ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence. Pope Leo XIV’s in his speech urged the need to review the ethical, economic and social implications of artificial intelligence. He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace. He makes a compelling argument on the need to ‘disarm artificial intelligence’ meaning that it needs to be freed from logics that transform it into an instrument of domination, exclusion, pride and marginalization. He draws parallels nuclear disarmament suggesting that just as nuclear power requires moral discernment and control. Artificial Intelligence must be directed towards the common good rather than autonomous weaponry and or biased algorithms that block access to healthcare, employment, leads to destruction caused due to wars. To disarm artificial intelligence is to mean it should safeguard human life no matter who it is, irrespective of any social identity or location.
In this direction the Pope insists that disarmament is not enough, nation states and heads of state must “build”, by urging all stakeholders, States, Companies and individuals. The Pope reenforces idea of “development of all”. By citing a biblical figure Nehemiah to illustrate that everyone must contribute brick by brick to build to create a more just coexistence; emphasising that true development must concern “every human being”. In the process this would require everyone included and ensuring no one is marginalized in the process by digital transformation. And on the other hand, a person should not be reduced to the idea of being a mere data or be reduced to hyper productivity. As every human must maintain the freedom and vocation that no machine can replace.
At this juncture, it becomes essential to refer to…
