Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical on AI Just Dropped & We Actually Read It [Ep. 87]

In his very first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV tackles artificial intelligence and the massive technological shift happening right now — comparing it directly to the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution 135 years ago when Leo XIII wrote Rerum Novarum.

We walk through the heart of the letter: how AI risks turning human dignity into a “social score” based on productivity, the dangers of transhumanism and posthumanism, and why the Pope says our limitations, struggles, and relationships are actually the most beautiful and important parts of being human.

You’ll hear about the Tower of Babel versus the rebuilding of Jerusalem, why AI can never replace real friendship or creativity, the need for real limits and oversight on this technology, and what Catholic social teaching has to say about building a civilization of love in the digital age.

What do you think — is AI just a powerful tool, or is it quietly reshaping who we are? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Featuring: Fr. Simon Esshaki, Abbot Ankido Sipo, Fr. Fadi Auro, Fr. Christopher Somo

–––