Pope Leo XIV Warns AI Could Create a Modern Tower of Babel

In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV warns that artificial intelligence poses a major threat to humanity, comparing unchecked AI development to the biblical Tower of Babel. The 43,000-word letter, divided into five chapters, focuses on 'safeguarding the human in the time of artificial intelligence.' The Pope argues that AI amplifies disinformation and calls for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, and informed users. He criticizes tech giants like Meta for controlling platforms and data, stating that ownership of data must be regulated. The encyclical also references Picasso's Guernica as a denunciation of dehumanization. Separately, the Vatican is expanding its contemporary art program: a new space, Conciliazone 5, currently shows works by British artist George Rouy, with future exhibitions planned by Yan Pei-Ming and Vivian Suter. The program is curated by Donatien Grau of the Louvre. The Vatican's Venice exhibition featuring Brian Eno, FKA Twigs, and Precious Okoyomon has opened to critical acclaim.