The leaders of Maryland’s three Catholic (arch)dioceses welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” this week:
Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington:
“The astounding rate of technological change that we are witnessing points to the urgency of the conversation to which ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ is calling us. If ethical guardrails are not soon established to form artificial intelligence, we will be facing a world which is increasingly dehumanized in many of the most important dimensions of our existence and human flourishing.
“’Magnifica Humanitas’ does not seek to define the new world which is emerging in our midst. It seeks to do something more important – be a catalyst for a continuing societal conversation about the most consequential questions we are facing and how the contribution of Catholic Social Doctrine can enrich that conversation in the years to come.” Read his full statement.
Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore:
“’Magnifica Humanitas’ warns that technological progress detached from moral responsibility risks deepening exclusion and injustice rather than advancing authentic human development. Yet the Church does not approach AI from a position of fear….
“The future will belong not simply to those who innovate most quickly, but to those courageous enough to think critically, act responsibly and remain open to truth.
“Machines may help humanity solve problems. But only human beings — guided by conscience, community and grace — can ensure that technological progress remains truly human.” Full commentary in the Baltimore Sun.
Bishop William Koenig, Bishop of Wilmington:
“‘Magnifica Humanitas’ leads us through the discernment of what is just and right for the common good of our shared humanity. Pope Leo calls us not to judge our use of Artificial Intelligence merely by its effectiveness, but rather the human, social and spiritual bonds it enables or destroys.
“As we navigate the most recent technological tool of artificial intelligence, may ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ assist us to follow the ‘way’ of the ancient prophet of Nehemiah: ‘let us pray, plan wisely, and work perseveringly, placing God at the forefront of our actions and the human person at the center of our choices’ as we build with the tools of the digital age.” Read his full statement.
On Pentecost in 2025, the three Maryland Catholic (arch)bishops released a pastoral letter on artificial intelligence called “The Face of Christ in the Digital Age.”
Vatican Introduced the Document With a Stunning Video Through Time
The presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical began with a short video that moves from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Leo XIV. This journey through popes and the challenges and innovations during their papacies is only about four minutes and worth a view!
Additional Resources for “Magnifica Humanitas”
We pulled together additional resources connected with the release of “Magnifica Humanitas”:
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “Magnifica Humanitas” webpage
- Vatican News: Video introducing the encyclical, with Pope Leo, theologians, Vatican officials and the head of Anthropic (video is English and ASL)
- Pope Leo presents ‘Magnifica humanitas’ calling for disarmament of AI (Vatican News)
- Encyclical: What Pope Leo thinks about ‘just war’ theory, historic Church apology for slavery (Catholic News Service)
- 13 things to know about Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI (OSV News)