Pope Leo XIV has published his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), a major teaching document reflecting on human dignity, faith, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and rapidly changing technology. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII’s landmark social encyclical Rerum Novarum, the Holy Father addresses what he describes as a new moment of profound change in human history.
At the heart of the encyclical is a call to place the human person, created in the image of God, at the centre of every technological, economic, and political decision. Pope Leo writes that:
“Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.”1
The Holy Father warns against allowing technology to shape society without moral guidance. He reminds us that progress must always serve the common good and protect the dignity of every person, especially the poor and vulnerable. In a particularly striking passage, he cautions against the “Babel syndrome” – the temptation to place profit, efficiency, and technological power above the value of the human person.
The encyclical also highlights our responsibility for the digital world we are creating:
“Like the natural environment, the ‘digital ecosystem’ can be preserved or exploited, shared or monopolised.”2
Throughout the document, Pope Leo calls Catholics to be people of wisdom, hope, and discernment, ensuring that technological advances always remain at the service of humanity rather than humanity becoming subject to technology. He insists that human beings must never surrender moral responsibility to machines and that authentic human relationships remain essential to a flourishing society.
As a parish community, we are invited to reflect on the Holy Father’s message and to consider how we can witness to the dignity of every person in our families, workplaces, schools, and communities. Magnifica Humanitas is both a challenge and a source of hope, reminding us that Christ remains the measure of what it means to be truly human.
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Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)