A Reflection based on Pope Leo’s First Encyclical

June 1, 2026

by FFrances

Natalia Blauth on Unsplash

What is human life? 

Who are we as human beings? 

What vision and goal are we aiming for in our humanity and in our lives together?

Pope Leo has brought out a new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.* 

Rooted in Leo XIII’s document, Rerum Novarum** (Latin for “New Things”), which addressed concerns about industrialization, capitalism, work and the meaning of technology for human beings, Pope Leo XIV points out that now, more “new things” are underway.

Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) changes many things, including how war is waged.

We have to view these new things with “eyes of faith, lucidity of reason, with openness to mystery” and with the cries of the poor resounding in our hearts. We can’t just watch, hoping someone else will take care of these things. We need to make open, public spaces to talk together about our concerns and about what is happening, to question and advocate, and to build a moral framework that considers the common good. 

Listening to the concerns of many, including scientists, engineers, public officials, parents, and teachers, it is clear that the construction of autonomous weapons and the use of unthinking algorithms lead to injustices, where people have no voice when decisions are made that affect them.  

“AI needs to be disarmed.” 

The Church already speaks out for nuclear disarmament. Now is the time to advocate once again for adequate moral discernment and public control of all developing technology, seeking the common good.  Technology must not be separated from conscience nor numb our consciences. Pope Leo uses the story from Nehemiah (Neh 2-6) of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, where the people came together, each bringing their own skills and talents, to rebuild together. As St Paul says: 

“Let each builder take care what to build.”

No person can be left at the margins; every person has a freedom, interiority, and vocation to love and worship that no machine can replace or block. 

He says we the church want to be part of the discussion on AI and what we can contribute is wisdom concerning the beauty, truth and dignity of the human person.

Pope Leo invites all of the church and the human family to listen to one another, to face the present challenge with hope and courage, to stay awake and to cooperate in building a society of justice, peace, love and the common good.

*Pope Leo XIV. (2026, May 15). Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence. Vatican.

**Pope Leo XIII. (15 May 1891). Rerum Novarum [On the Condition of the Working Classes]. The Holy See.

Meditation: All Are Welcome!  (lyric video) Marty Haugen, ℗ 1995 GIA Publications, Inc.

Let us build a house where love can dwell

and all can safely live 

A place where saints and children tell

how hearts learn to forgive 

Built of hopes and dreams and visions,

rock of faith and vault of grace.

Here the love of Christ shall end divisions.

All are welcome, all are welcome.

All are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where prophets speak,

and words are strong and true.

Where all God's children dare to seek

to dream God's reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness

and a symbol of God's grace.

Here as one we claim the faith of Jesus.

All are welcome, all are welcome.

All are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where love is found

in water, wine and wheat.

A banquet hall on holy ground

where peace and justice meet.

Here the love of God, through Jesus

is revealed in time and space.

As we share in Christ the feast that frees us

All are welcome, all are welcome.

All are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where hands will reach

beyond the wood and stone 

To heal and strengthen, serve and teach,

and live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcast and the stranger

bear the image of God’s face; 

Let us bring an end to fear and danger.

All are welcome, all are welcome.

All are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where all are named,

their songs and visions heard 

And loved and treasured, taught and claimed

as words within the Word. 

Built of tears and cries and laughter,

prayers of faith and songs of grace, 

Let this house proclaim from floor to rafter

All are welcome, all are welcome.

All are welcome in this place.