Pope Leo XIV Warns AI Images Amplify Disinformation in First Encyclical

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas', a 43,000-word document addressing artificial intelligence. The pope, the first from the U.S., warns that AI image tools have become a 'powerful amplifier' for disinformation, urging authorities to regulate the technology. He emphasizes that while disinformation predates AI, the technology now enables manipulation of content, images, and videos, exposing people to biased perspectives. The encyclical also highlights risks to minors, including online grooming, blackmail, and sexual exploitation, and cautions against early exposure to digital devices without supervision. The document, in progress since Leo's election, was highly anticipated. Notably, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently faced an AI-generated deepfake photo incident, underscoring the pope's concerns.