Pope Leo XIV Says AI Could Be a New Tower of Babel

Pope Leo XIV, known as the Chicago Pope, released his first major statement today, an encyclical titled “Magnifica Humanitas,” addressing artificial intelligence. While not a total rejection of AI, the document strongly criticizes its current applications. He warned that we’re at a crossroads – we can either create division and confusion like the Tower of Babel, or build a future where humans and technology coexist harmoniously. Pope Leo XIV argues that AI needs to be controlled and directed away from uses that lead to oppression, discrimination, and harm.

From the beginning of his papacy, the Pope has consistently spoken about the potential downsides of unchecked technological advancement. He immediately highlighted the human element of filmmaking, acknowledging the contributions of everyone involved, from camera operators to catering staff, emphasizing that creative work is a collaborative effort. Interestingly, his chosen name echoes history; the previous Pope Leo presided during the Industrial Revolution and famously cautioned against the excesses of capitalism.

Pope Leo XIV cautioned against what he calls “Babel syndrome,” or, “idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak, a uniformity that neutralizes differences, and the pretense that a single language — even a digital one — can translate everything, including the mystery of the person, into data and performance.” Take that, Q scores.

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2026-05-25 21:57