The encyclical Magnifica humanitas was born from listening to various people who interact and work with AI. Still, it was “also impelled by troubling accounts of the potential misuses of algorithms and by the loss of human agency in critical areas,” Pope Leo XIV said in a message signed on his behalf by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, and released on July 8, 2026.

The message was sent on the occasion of the AI for Good Global Summit, taking place in Geneva from July 7 to 10. The event is organized by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with other UN agencies and the Swiss government, and aims to explore how AI is shaping the world and provide solutions to important global challenges.

“As you are convening to reflect upon AI, which raises some of the major questions of our time regarding the future of humanity, the Holy Father would like to assure you of the Holy See’s presence and openness to dialogue, especially in this epochal turning point,” the message stated.

In this regard, the message highlighted how, in his encyclical on safeguarding the human person in the age of AI, Magnifica humanitas, Pope Leo XIV expressed his desire to engage in dialogue with all kinds of people in order “to identify new paths for the common good and for promoting a dignified life for all.”

“Magnifica humanitas was born from his listening ‘to scientists and engineers who work with sincere enthusiasm on technologies capable of alleviating immense suffering, to political leaders and public officials who have perseveringly sought just rules, to parents and teachers who are deeply concerned for the future of younger generations’.”

However, the encyclical was also driven by the negative impacts that AI has had on humans and society.

“While wishing you to engage in constructive and enriching discussions, the Holy Father willingly assures you of his prayers in your efforts ‘to serve humanity’,” the message concludes.