Silicon Valley tried to influence the Pope's new AI encyclical

Pope Leo XIV has published his encyclical on artificial intelligence, titled 'Magnifica humanitas'. The document was highly anticipated by the tech industry, which made numerous attempts to shape the Vatican's stance on AI in recent months.

Pope Leo XIV released his long-awaited encyclical on artificial intelligence on Monday, titled 'Magnifica humanitas', marking one of the most significant statements from the Vatican on emerging technology. The document addresses the moral and ethical dimensions of AI development and its impact on human dignity.

In the months leading up to the publication, Silicon Valley companies and tech industry figures made concerted efforts to influence the Vatican's position. Lobbyists, executives, and researchers reportedly engaged in dialogue with Vatican officials, hoping to steer the papal document toward a more technology-friendly stance.

The encyclical has been closely watched by the global tech community, as a papal document carries significant moral weight for over a billion Catholics worldwide — including many policymakers, regulators, and business leaders. The Catholic Church's position on AI could influence ongoing debates about AI governance and regulation at both the European and international levels.

The Vatican has previously engaged with questions of technology and ethics. Pope Leo XIV's encyclical represents a continuation of that tradition, but at a scale and urgency reflecting the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence systems in recent years.

The full content and specific recommendations of 'Magnifica humanitas' are expected to be scrutinized by tech companies, ethicists, and governments alike as the global conversation around AI regulation continues to intensify.