#3: Pope Leo’s “Magnifica Humanitas” 5/12/2026
Pope Leo XIV pronounced his first encyclical today which is “On Safeguarding The Human Person In The Time of Artificial Intelligence”. It is composed of 5 Chapters, 85 pages …a copy is here: Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)
Ater reading Diane Montagna’s substack on the subject an article written by Nico Sputoni. The headline reads “ The Pope Rejects Transhumanism: Here’s What’s in the Encyclical”. He says that “M.H.” pronounces that we are stand before a crossroads between self-sufficiency and solidarity. The danger of humanity’s excessive power over itself. This concept had been written by Pope Benedict XVI in “Spe Salvi”….but now is reconsidered as we face artificial intelligence and digitalization. Two words meant to scare you out of your wits. Is Artificial intelligence really artificial and is it intelligence or data? Copilot states the definition of “Intelligence” is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skill. These used to be descriptions of human beings. Now we speak of computers as being knowledgeable and skillful. Ok. Wait a minute, that’s my department. Computers were supposed be tools for human productivity. Is that no longer the case? Are we really afraid that computers will have taken over our jobs. Didn’t we learn anything from Y2K? and the Internet revolution? My job is to enjoy retirement , more prayer, keeping the sacraments and allowing my faith to flourish in the love of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, my patron Saint Francis and neighbor. But there are many folks in the “we” category that worry about their futures. Not that I don’t but I have calmed down with less anxiety because I know that I have found dry land on the horizon amongst this great and treacherous ocean. Society and the media have many of us concentrating on the masses of people (e.g. global warming). “We the People “ hear the cries of media and want us to deliberately worry over of macro-issues rather than the day to day micro-issues like the cost of eggs . The level of anxiety is at a fever pitch when the macro issues like gasoline/oil or housing or even War control the narrative. As I was once an Economics major, I love the discussion but not the worry. But dooms-day discussions are infectious and people start acting out their frustrations. And some people even get paid for doing it…Soros style.
Why do we do this and how did we get here (as Fr. McTeigue asks)? It reminds me of how in the Old Testament, the Jewish people were in desperate need of a strong crusading military Savior…and not just another Spiritual leader. Even though a Messiah was well over-due. Catholics have their Messiah and loving saviour, and his name is Jesus Christ.
-Laudate Dominum,
Br Luchesio
