Vatican Forms AI Study Group Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s First Ethics Encyclical

TL;DR: Pope Leo XIV has formed a Vatican study group on artificial intelligence ahead of his first encyclical, which will address AI ethics. The move signals the Church’s intent to influence global AI debates with its 1.5‑billion‑strong Catholic audience.

The Vatican announced on Saturday that Pope Leo XIV has convened an internal study group to examine artificial intelligence. The group will advise the pope as he prepares his first encyclical, expected in the coming weeks, that is likely to frame AI through the lens of Catholic social teaching.

This encyclical follows the tradition of Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, which addressed the social upheaval of the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly referenced that document when discussing AI, arguing that the technology raises similar questions about justice, labor, and human dignity.

Pope Leo XIV established the study group to look at AI’s acceleration, its potential effects on humanity, and the Church’s concern for human dignity. The group comprises theologians, ethicists, and technical advisors who will assess both opportunities and risks.

Meghan Sullivan, a philosophy professor at the University of Notre Dame who directs its ethics institute, said the Catholic Church will act as a responsible voice in AI integration debates. She added that the pope is likely to be one of the most forceful advocates for human dignity in these discussions.

Approximately 1.5 billion Catholics worldwide constitute a significant audience for the Church’s AI ethics stance. This figure represents about one‑sixth of the global population, giving the Vatican a substantial platform to shape public opinion.

By creating an in‑house team, the Vatican aims to bring a coherent ethical perspective to discussions that often focus on economic or security gains. The encyclical is expected to call for AI that complements rather than replaces human intelligence, echoing concerns about bias, labor displacement, and environmental impact.

The Church’s stance could shape policy debates in regions where Catholic influence remains strong, offering a counterpoint to laissez‑faire approaches seen in some governments. Observers note that a moral framework could help bridge gaps between technologists and policymakers.

Observers will watch for the encyclical’s release and any subsequent Vatican statements on AI governance, especially as the United States and other nations continue to pursue rapid AI development.