Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology (CWCIT)

📣"Magnifica Humanitas" encyclical to be released Mon., 5/25📣

Pope Leo's 1st encyclical, "Magnificent Humanity," focuses on the preservation of the human person in the age of AI. One of the people present at the release will be Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic (USA) and head of research on the interpretability of artificial intelligence.

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica humanitas to be published May 25 - Vatican News Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, on preserving the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, will be released on May ...

Some preliminary thoughts on "Magnifica humanitas," the Pope's upcoming encyclical on the care of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, to be released at the Vatican on May 25.

First, AI has been a concern of the Holy Father since at least the beginning of his pontificate, mentioned several times early on in his papacy. And, just a few days ago, Pope Leo established a new papal commission, bridging several dicasteries, to address this topic; and he also mentioned the topic in his recent address for the World Day of Communications. So the topic is perhaps not a surprise. The question will be: What other topics will be included: workers rights? labor unions? capitalism more broadly?

Second, as someone who studied mathematics, Pope Leo XIV has a firmer grasp on this issue than some might imagine of a pope.

Third, that the Holy Father will personally present the document on May 25 in the Paul VI Aula (where the Synod convened) is highly unusual. To me (and I have no inside information on this, nor have I read the document) it may indicate the Holy Father's deep personal interest in the topic, and a desire to ensure that the media "get it." Pope Leo is an expert communicator.

Fourth, the Vatican has been providing guidance on this topic, in both formal and informal ways, to those who work in this field for some years, and has a surprising number of respected experts (theological and technical) in their orbit. Not long ago, at a meeting of the Dicastery for Communication, we heard from one and I was stunned by the breadth of his knowledge (at least to this neophyte).

Fifth, the encyclical was signed (and therefore will be formally dated) on the 135th anniversary of "Rerum Novarum," Pope Leo XIII's groundbreaking encyclical on labor, workers' rights, unions and many other social issues, which set the stage for the modern movement of social justice in the church. Pope Leo XII is widely seen as the father of the modern tradition of Catholic social teaching. There were many who believed that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost took the name "Leo" at his election as pope (his first decision after saying "yes" to his election) as a nod to this champion of social justice and workers' rights.

Finally, like "Laudato Si," which recast the issue of climate change as not simply a scientific and social one, but a spiritual one, "Magnifica humanitas" may do the same for AI, helping the church and the world see this urgent topic from a spiritual vantage point and also, as "Laudato Si" did, in a systematic way.

And, as an important aside, an encyclical is one of the very highest levels of church teaching.

All in all, by any measure, an exciting new encyclical to read, study and pray over!

First-ever pilgrimage celebrates Pope Leo with Mass, visits to papal boyhood landmarks At the pope's boyhood home, the final stop of the pilgrimage, the Midwest Augustinians blessed and hung a portrait of the pope in the living room.

On immigration, Americans must examine their conscience: Catholic tradition can help Bishop Oscar Cantú and two ethicists write: "It is time for the consciences of Catholics and all citizens to examine policies of detention and deportation in light of the demands of love, truth, dignity and justice — and to act."

::: This Friday, 7:00am Chicago :::

This webinar offers a special opportunity to join the conversation & stand in solidarity with the people of Taybeh, the last entirely Christian Palestinian town in the West Bank, in urgent need of preservation.

On the occasion of Nakba Day, Friday, May 15, Pax Christi International warmly invites you to a special and timely webinar highlighting the story of Taybeh, the last entirely Christian Palestinian town in the West Bank.

Today, Taybeh stands at a critical moment. The community faces increasing pressures through land confiscation, movement restrictions, economic hardship, and the growing threat to the continuity of Palestinian Christian life and presence in their homeland. Yet despite these realities, the people of Taybeh continue to embody steadfastness, dignity, nonviolence, and unwavering hope for a just and lasting peace. 🙏

With the Parish Priest of Christ the Redeemer Parish in Taybeh, we will reflect on the significance of Taybeh today, the challenges confronting Palestinian Christians, and the urgent importance of preserving the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

We warmly invite you to join this important conversation in solidarity with the people of Taybeh and the wider Palestinian community and to stand alongside those who continue to witness to hope amid adversity. 🕊️

📅 Friday, May 15th, 2026
🕒 3:00 pm (Palestine time) – 2:00 pm (Brussels time) – 8:00 am (New York time) – 7:00 am (Bogota time) – 10:00 pm (Sydney time) – 9:00 pm (Seoul time)

For all details and registration, you can use the QR code or the following link 👉 https://paxchristi.net/event/taybeh-a-christian-call-to-peace-from-palestine/

The EPA has proposed changes to federal coal ash regulations that would weaken protections for waterways and communities already burdened by toxic pollution. So together with our partners Franciscan Action Network (FAN) , National Religious Partnership for the Environment, and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Catholic Climate Covenant is urging people of faith across the country to sign a joint public comment opposing these rollbacks. Learn more and add your name by June 10th: bit.ly/CoalAshAction

Catholics in Congress form majority behind bipartisan 'Dignity Act' immigration bill The Dignity Act, a bipartisan immigration proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives, is drawing significant backing from Catholic lawmakers, who make up more than half of its current supporters.

A relatable pope: We sort of think we know Leo The notion of the leader of the Catholic Church playing a word game, lingering at a parishioner's kitchen table, or going to a ballgame does make him seem more human. And this ordinariness can be a model for us.

From NCR's former Vatican correspondent, Chris White, who just spoke at our CWCIT conference last week:

What we knew then — and what we know now — about history's first US-born pope When white smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel last May, NCR's former Vatican correspondent Christopher White was there. White thought it would be Robert Prevost: "His election may have been a surprise, but he isn't."