“Magnifica Humanitas:” Pope Leo’s Clarion Call on AI

The release of the Vatican’s encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*, marks a critical shift in addressing the existential risks of artificial intelligence by framing the technology as an anthropological challenge rather than a purely technical one. This document highlights the dangers of an unchecked arms race for artificial general intelligence, which prioritizes commercial dominance and financial efficiency over the preservation of the social fabric. By drawing parallels to historical interventions in the nuclear arms race, the Vatican establishes itself as a necessary moral mediator capable of resisting the incentives that often compromise corporate and political actors. Addressing the growing "complexity gap" requires fostering clarity among global leaders to restore agency. Ultimately, the path toward a pro-human future necessitates decoupling technological development from competitive, destructive incentives and prioritizing the protection of human dignity and social cohesion.