I advise the Vatican and the UN on AI — don’t dismiss the Pope’s message as theology

On May 15, Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical letter, “Magnifica humanitas,” warning society about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI). The letter, traditionally addressed to Roman Catholic bishops but now a moral statement for all, critiques the concentration of power in AI governance. It highlights concerns over private entities making critical decisions without democratic oversight, the rise of ‘algocracy’ where algorithms replace human decision-making, and the destabilization of democratic discourse. The Pope’s message emphasizes the political nature of AI development and criticizes the reliance on self-regulation, particularly in the U.S., as inadequate governance. The encyclical calls for attention from the scientific community, suggesting that when the Catholic Church addresses social issues, it often highlights gaps left by secular institutions. This echoes past encyclicals that addressed societal challenges like automation and totalitarianism. QUESTION: How might the concentration of power in AI development impact future generations, and what steps can be taken to ensure ethical governance?