Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), has taken the internet by storm, with many praising his call for robust regulation of artificial intelligence. The document, released last week, has been widely shared on social media, with users expressing relief that a global leader is addressing AI's implications.
Viral Reactions
The Instagram meme account Saint Hoax posted a video to its 3 million followers about the pope's call to 'disarm' AI, captioned 'Love my woke pope (I'm not even Catholic).' Another X user referenced a common meme, writing: 'The atheism leaving my body the moment the pope starts talking about how AI is an affront to God and the new Tower of Babel.'
Isabel Thurston, a 27-year-old comedian from Boston, said: 'People have really been looking for a response to AI. This was the first world leader to make an announcement of this magnitude.'
A Pope in Tune with Culture
Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, has shown a willingness to embrace contemporary culture. He was recently seen wearing Nike sneakers under his vestments, and his encyclical quotes Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. Robert Orsi, a professor at Northwestern University, noted: 'It's clear this is written by an American pope. There's a spirit of individual freedom and human dignity that resonates with the Declaration of Independence.'
Earlier, a group of youths coaxed the 70-year-old pontiff to perform the '6-7' meme hand gesture on camera. Though he didn't understand it, he obliged, drawing cheers.
Engaging Modern Challenges
The encyclical emphasizes the Church's responsibility to engage contemporary issues. Leo wrote: 'Her mission has a historical scope and entails a responsibility for the way in which social relations are built. She cannot consider herself a stranger to the forces shaping society.'
Orsi highlighted the influence of the Second Vatican Council: 'It's speaking with a Vatican II voice to the modern world—not condemnation, but respect.'
Criticism and Controversy
Some criticized Leo for presenting the encyclical alongside Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah, as part of the Vatican's dialogue with Silicon Valley. The document also includes measured rebukes of U.S. President Donald Trump and the war in Iran. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, invoked 'just war' theory, but Leo called it 'outdated,' advocating dialogue and diplomacy instead.
American Culture at the Vatican
In November, Leo hosted a 'World of Cinema' day with actors like Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee, who gifted him a custom New York Knicks jersey. Leo said: 'Cultural facilities are the beating hearts of communities. The logic of algorithms tends to repeat what works, but art opens up what is possible.'
His love for the Chicago White Sox has inspired memes, such as a photo of him holding a bat with the caption: 'POV: you're a priest who just asked ChatGPT to write your Sunday homily.'
Joyful Reception
Thurston posted a video of herself and a friend studying the encyclical over margaritas, which gained over 3 million views. She said: 'It was joyful to represent Catholics and lapsed Catholics celebrating what Pope Leo is saying.'
Orsi believes this approach comes at a crucial time for the Church, following the clergy sexual abuse reckoning: 'Many who left the church are now saying it may have something to say to the modern world.'
