On May 15th, 2026 the Vatican released Pope Leo’s first Encyclical: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence - also known as Magnifica Humanitas. Pope Leo writes: “Together, we can discern the major questions of our time, and so, the future of humanity.”
As a quick disclaimer, I am not a theologian. I am certainly not the Pope. I am just a Catholic Dad who wants the best world for his children. I believe that we Catholics should not be luddites and wholesale fight against the use of AI, nor do I think we should embrace it with open arms at every opportunity. Technology exists to serve the human person—not to redefine what it means to be human. Use this seven-point guide as a quick sanity check in this world that seems less sane by the day.
1) Seek Wise Counsel – When the moral path is unclear, don’t walk it alone.
The Catholic Church has always taught that prudence often requires seeking the wisdom of the Magisterium. This is pivotally important when the Church enters uncharted territory and morality surrounding the implementation of new technology seems grey.
"Plans fail when there is no counsel, but they succeed when advisers are many." (Proverbs 15:22)
2) Pray Before You Prompt – Discern first. Employ technology second.
St. Ignatius of Loyola taught that decisions affecting your family, vocation, or soul belong first before God. From Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: "There thus emerges an urgent need for a twofold commitment: on the one hand, a deepening of scientific research; on the other, the exercise of moral and spiritual discernment." These two are not at odds. We must pray for the wisdom to deepen that scientific research responsibly, equitably and morally.
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God... And he will be given it." (James 1:5)
3) Keep Humans Human – Don’t outsource what forms the soul.
Some activities are assigned value precisely because they require a unique human effort: raising and teaching children, creating art, romance, friendship, and similar endeavors. We should be particularly cautious adopting virtual or digital forms of liturgical and sacramental practices. AI should be employed as a tool to assist human flourishing, not replace the experiences that shape virtue and character.
"Human work proceeds directly from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the work of creation." (CCC 2427)
4) AI is Not A Human – Don’t treat machines as people.
No matter how convincing AI may be, AI is not a human. Only humankind was made in the image and likeness of God. Avoid emotional dependence on AI, talking to it as if it were a person, or assigning it a moral status or dignity that should only be reserved for other persons.
"God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)
5) Protect the Gift of Embodiment – Your body and soul are unified; your body and technology are not.
Technologies that blur the lines between human consciousness and machines should be approached with extraordinary caution. God became flesh – not software. Enhancements that merge human consciousness with machines should be avoided in most circumstances. Only under grave matters and with proper counsel and discernment should such situations be considered.
“The human body shares in the dignity of "the image of God": it is a human body precisely because it is animated by a spiritual soul, and it is the whole human person that is intended to become, in the body of Christ, a temple of the Spirit.” (CCC 364)
6) Work is Dignified – Don’t automate away labor.
Eradication of labor is not a worthwhile goal or end state. When man was expelled from Eden, God commanded that humankind would labor in the fields, toiling and sweating for yield. Work develops responsibility, generosity, creativity and service to others. St. Benedict summarized Christian living as simply: “Ora et labora” – pray and work. Jesus - never idle, never lazy - spent His earthly life living humbly and working with His hands. Jesus demonstrates the perfect example of how to be an outpouring for others.
“Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
7) Be Not Afraid – We must be people of hope.
Throughout history, humankind has lived through fear of the unknown. AI may transform civilization like the automobile and the nuclear bomb did before it. But we Christians know the end of the story: Jesus Christ reigns victorious over everything. He is sovereign Lord, King of the Universe. Above all, we must not fear raising children in the modern world. Fear that the future will be unlivable is a pessimistic way for the faithful to proceed. We must have hope in the next generation and equip them to face the challenges of the day.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)