Pope Leo XIV to Issue First AI Encyclical on May 15 After Time Names Him Top AI Influencer

*TL;DR: Pope Leo XIV will sign his first AI encyclical on May 15, with the Vatican set to publish it by month’s end, after Time magazine listed him among 2025’s most influential AI voices.

Context The Vatican is preparing to release a formal teaching document on artificial intelligence, a first for any pope. The document, known as an encyclical, traditionally addresses major moral issues for Catholics and the wider world. Pope Leo XIV has already positioned himself at the forefront of the AI debate, speaking to diverse audiences from teenagers in stadiums to legislators in 68 nations.

Key Facts - The encyclical will be signed on May 15 and is expected to be publicly available before the end of May. - In a recent address to teenagers, the pope urged them to use AI tools while maintaining independent thinking, warning that reliance should not disappear if the technology fails. - Time magazine named Pope Leo XIV one of the 2025 most influential people in artificial intelligence, highlighting his global impact on the ethical conversation surrounding AI.

What It Means The upcoming encyclical signals the Catholic Church’s intent to shape policy and public opinion on AI governance. By urging youth to retain critical thinking skills, the pope emphasizes human agency over algorithmic dependence. His warning to clergy against delegating sermon writing to chatbots reflects a broader concern that AI could erode personal responsibility in spiritual leadership.

Time’s endorsement underscores the pope’s reach beyond religious circles, positioning him as a moral authority in technology debates. Policymakers may look to the Vatican’s guidance when drafting regulations, especially as AI systems become more integrated into education, media, and government.

The document’s release will likely prompt reactions from tech firms, ethicists, and faith groups worldwide. Observers will watch for specific recommendations on transparency, data privacy, and the preservation of “human voices and faces,” themes the pope has previously highlighted.

Looking ahead, the encyclical’s content will shape the next round of AI legislation and influence how religious institutions engage with emerging technologies. Stakeholders should monitor the Vatican’s official publication for concrete directives that could affect AI development and deployment globally.