Magnifica Humanitas:  Pope Leo Speaks Out on AI

By Ana Andrade

On 25 May 2026, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence was published, becoming the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV. The document was signed on 15 May, the 135th anniversary of the promulgation of Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum.

Divided into five chapters, Magnifica Humanitas offers important reflections on the relationship between humanity and technology. The document emphasizes that technology is neither inherently evil nor a force opposed to humanity. At the same time, it stresses that technology is never truly neutral, since it inevitably reflects the values, intentions, and priorities of those who design, finance, regulate, and use it.

In this context, Pope Leo XIV calls upon humanity to place technological development at the service of the common good and to preserve what is fundamentally human. The encyclical presents a choice between two symbolic paths: the construction of a new Tower of Babel, marked by division and human pride, or the building of a civilization in which God and humanity dwell together in harmony. (1)

Astrologically, the transits at the time of publication vividly reflect the themes addressed in the encyclical. The Sun at 3 Gemini, symbolizing illumination and awareness, was tightly conjunct Uranus at 1 Gemini, a planet strongly associated with innovation, technological breakthroughs, and artificial intelligence. This conjunction highlights the growing prominence of technological issues and humanity’s need to engage with them consciously.

Meanwhile, the transiting Moon in Virgo conjoined Pope Leo XIV’s (2) natal Sun at 21 Virgo and natal Venus at 24 Virgo, suggesting a moment of personal alignment between his identity (Sun), values (Venus), and public message (Moon).  There is no exact time of the publication of the encyclical, but the Moon started the day at 24 Virgo, conjoined the natal Sun (his objectives), and exactly contacted to the degree of his natal Venus (his set of values).  The Moon then continued with her path, sharing with the world the message of Magnifica Humanitas. In addition, transiting Mercury at 16 Gemini—the planet of communication, learning, and written documents—formed a trine (120 degrees) to his natal Mercury at 17 Libra. This harmonious aspect supports the successful articulation and dissemination of ideas, facilitating dialogue on complex issues such as the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

Taken together, these configurations suggest a powerful moment in which questions concerning technology, human dignity, ethics, and collective responsibility are brought into the foreground. The symbolism of the chart mirrors the encyclical’s central message: technological progress must be guided by wisdom, human values, and a vision that serves the flourishing of humanity rather than its fragmentation.

Notes: (1) https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-leo-xiv-encyclical-magnifica-humanitas-ai.html

(2) Pope Leo XIV 14 September 1955, unknown birthtime, Chicago, Illinois https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_XIV

Title Image Credit: https://legrandcontinent.eu/es/2026/05/26/magnifica-humanitas-texto-integro-de-enciclica-de-leon-xiv/