Pope Leo’s Encyclical

Pope Leo XIV's new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, is an excellent treatise exploring centuries of Catholic social teaching, and many sections directly address the heads of governments and technology leaders crafting the future of humanity. Yet within the 42,000 word document are several practical ideas for ordinary Catholics concerned about the future of humanity in light of rapid changes related to artificial intelligence. Very briefly, these are just  practical ideas that the Pope is suggesting to us all in this encyclical, which translated means ‘Our Magnificent Humanity.’

1. "Cultivate relationships" and engage with other human beings. "I invite everyone to cherish places and times where physical presence remains crucial, such as shared meals, Christian community gatherings, time spent with the lonely and serving the poor." In short, host a dinner party to better interact with family and friends.

2. “Put down your phone !” Leo takes aim at technology's effects on human beings, particularly the pernicious effects smartphones seem to have on young people. "Having a personal mobile device at too early an age and using it without adult supervision can intensify young people's vulnerabilities, foster addiction and expose them to isolation, bullying and cyberbullying, as well as to pressures to share intimate images or sensitive information.  We have to"teach children, adolescents and young people how to recognize manipulation, defend their dignity and respect that of others in digital environments."

3. “Choose your words carefully and peacefully” Pope Leo Leo mentions peace more than 80 times in the encyclical. "We have a real opportunity to contribute to the common good each time we speak the truth, offer wise advice, support those in need of comfort, denounce injustice and give a voice to the voiceless."

4. “Become savvy about artificial intelligence — and stop sharing disinformation.” The Pope warns about the threats of AI-generated misinformation to democracy and to the very foundation of truth itself. Adults must "rediscover their vocation as artisans of education" and help "children and young people in using technology for developing responsible relationships. Technology has the power to heal, connect, educate and protect our common home," Leo writes, "but it can also divide, exclude and generate new forms of injustice."

5. “Learn Catholic Social Teaching” - Leo devotes much of his encyclical to reviewing the church's history of Catholic social teaching since the promulgation of Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, looking closely at previous encyclicals, teachings from the Second Vatican Council and especially the words of his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis. “I believe that today we must once again reflect on the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice."