On May 25, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas.

A papal encyclical is a pastoral letter written by the pope, primarily addressed to bishops, but also to Catholics and all people of goodwill. It reflects on the teachings of the Church and offers guidance in responding to the realities of the times.

During the launch of the encyclical, Pope Leo XIV recalled how his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII, witnessed the struggles of factory workers, displaced families, and the rise of new forms of poverty brought about by the rapid industrial revolution. Today, the Holy Father said, humanity faces another transformation of similar, and perhaps even greater magnitude.

“Like the earlier Leo, I feel entrusted to look upon another huge transformation with eyes of faith, with lucidity of reason, with openness to mystery, and with cries of the poor and the earth resounding in my heart,” Pope Leo XIV said.

The Holy Father explained that Magnifica Humanitas was born from listening — much like Pope Leo XIII once did. He listened “to scientists and engineers who work with sincere enthusiasm and 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.”

Pope Leo XIV called for the “disarmament” of Artificial Intelligence, urging the faithful to remain vigilant and become artisans of hope as we continue building the worksite of our time.

Read the encyclical letter here.

📷 Vatican News