On May 15, 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum: On Labor and Capital, addressing the profound social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Since then, that encyclical became the foundation of the Church’s modern social doctrine and continues to guide our moral reflection on human dignity, labor and the common good.  

A little more than a year after his election as Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV has now promulgated his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas – “Magnificent Humanity.” Signed on May 15, 2026, this timely document confronts the Digital Revolution, which is reshaping society even more rapidly and comprehensively than the Industrial Revolution once did.

In Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV addresses artificial intelligence directly. Like all technologies, AI is in itself morally neutral. It can greatly benefit humanity, yet it also carries risks: undermining human dignity, weakening authentic relationships and reshaping society in ways that may marginalize the vulnerable. The Holy Father reminds us that technology must always remain at the service of the human person, never its master. His teaching offers the moral clarity our society urgently needs as we navigate these new frontiers.

I encourage priests, deacons, religious, lay leaders and all people of goodwill to read and study Magnifica Humanitas. I especially commend it to those engaged in faith formation and catechetical ministry, who accompany individuals and families facing the challenges of the digital age. The Holy See has created a resource page for the encyclical: https://www.humandevelopment.va/en/magnifica-humanitas.html. 

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also provides helpful materials: https://www.usccb.org/magnifica-humanitas.

Sisters and brothers, we live in demanding times. As followers of the Risen Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to meet these challenges with faith and courage. By issuing this encyclical, Pope Leo affirms that faith and reason are not only compatible but mutually enriching. Magnifica Humanitas is a valuable guide in living out our baptismal mission to make disciples in the digital age.