Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As you know, Pope Leo XIV has recently published his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. Many people throughout the world are eager to read and understand what he wishes to teach both the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill. As Catholics, we recognize that the Church has always spoken clearly about the dignity of the human person because we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God.
This encyclical addresses the intersection of human dignity and the rapidly developing age of artificial intelligence (AI). Drawing upon Sacred Scripture and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, Pope Leo offers a thoughtful reflection on the opportunities and challenges presented by these new technologies. I would like to share a few reflections that emerged for me while reading the document.
No matter how we view it, artificial intelligence is not going away. It is here to stay. If that is the case, how should we understand ourselves in light of its growing presence? AI is an algorithm-based technology that gathers and processes data to generate responses to human requests. Because of this, users must carefully discern whether the information provided is accurate, reliable, and beneficial. This responsibility is essential for promoting truth and serving the common good. Facts must be verified and information should be cross-checked before it is shared.
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, everything seems to move at a faster pace. As a result, thoughtful decision-making becomes even more important. We need moments of silence and reflection to pray, meditate, and carefully evaluate the choices before us. Without such moments, our interior lives can become diminished. Pope Leo reminds us that technology should serve the human person, not replace the need for wisdom, contemplation, and discernment. When individuals and societies act without reflection, patience, and moral responsibility, misunderstandings and conflicts can grow. History reminds us that decisions made without proper discernment can contribute to division, violence, and even war. Sometimes we simply need to put down our phones and make room for silence.
AI is undoubtedly a powerful tool and offers many benefits. Yet if we are not careful, it can reduce reality to only what is measurable and quantifiable. When we rely exclusively on what can be calculated, we risk losing sight of human creativity, intuition, and wisdom. While AI can imitate language and certain human behaviors, it can never fully replicate human experience, relationships, or emotions. Consequently, it cannot assume moral responsibility or replace the human person in making ethical decisions that affect the lives of others.
The encyclical also highlights the importance of safeguarding peace. Decisions involving human life, national security, and the use of force must never be surrendered to technical calculations alone. No algorithm can bear moral responsibility for the consequences of war. Such decisions require human wisdom, ethical judgment, compassion, and accountability. Pope Leo reminds us that true peace cannot be achieved by force alone but is built through dialogue, diplomacy, understanding, and mutual respect.
Another concern raised by Pope Leo is the possibility that technology may distance people from one another. If we rely too heavily on artificial forms of interaction, we may lose sight of the importance of human closeness and personal connection. The absence of genuine human encounter can lead to isolation, distance, and disengagement. The fullness of human life does not come from technological power but from relationships rooted in freedom, love, and peace.
Pope Leo also expresses particular concern for children and young people, who are growing up in a world increasingly shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence. While these tools can support learning, creativity, and communication, they can also expose young people to misinformation, manipulation, unhealthy dependencies, and a diminished capacity for authentic human interaction. The Holy Father reminds parents, educators, and society as a whole of their shared responsibility to protect children, foster critical thinking, and ensure that technology supports their growth in wisdom, virtue, and genuine human relationships.
Overall, Magnifica Humanitas is a timely and important contribution to the conversation about the future of humanity in an age of rapidly advancing technology. Pope Leo challenges us to consider whether we are building a new Tower of Babel rooted in self-sufficiency and control, or helping to build a holy city founded upon truth, justice, and human dignity. The document serves as a reminder that technological progress must never come at the expense of the human person.
Ultimately, Pope Leo reminds us that technology is one of humanity’s greatest achievements, but it must always remain a servant of the human person and never become its master. Human dignity, freedom, relationships, and our openness to God must remain at the center of every technological advancement.
By raising awareness of these concerns, Pope Leo invites governments, businesses, organizations, faith communities, and individuals to work together in solidarity and subsidiarity to ensure that human dignity remains at the center of technological development. There is much more within the encyclical that deserves prayerful reflection and discussion. These are simply a few of the insights that I have learned and wanted to share with you.
May God continue to guide us in using every gift of human ingenuity for the service of humanity and the glory of God.
Most Rev. Michael Pham
Bishop of San Diego