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Why Pope Leo Wants to ‘Disarm’ A.I.

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical letter focuses on safeguarding humanity amid the rise of artificial intelligence. Will his recommendations impact the development and deployment of A.I.?
Mina Kim
Pope Leo XIV attends the presentation of his first Encyclical Letter "Magnifica Humanitas" focused on the rise of artificial intelligence, in The Vatican on May 25, 2026. (Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP via Getty Images)

Airdate: Tuesday, June 2 at 10 AM

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical letter focuses on safeguarding humanity amid the rise of artificial intelligence. In the letter, which is essentially a policy document from the Vatican, the Pope urges tech companies and policymakers worldwide to place human and moral concerns over profit. Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah spoke at the Pope’s release of his letter in Vatican City, signaling an intention of collaboration and dialogue, but Silicon Valley leaders more broadly seem skeptical of the guidance. Will the pope’s recommendations impact the development and deployment of A.I.?

Guests:

Cade Metz, technology reporter, The New York Times; author, “Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought A.I. to Google, Facebook, and The World"

Kim Daniels, director, the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University

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