In a groundbreaking moment during his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has taken a bold stance on the implications of artificial intelligence, warning against its potential threats while sharing the stage with Chris Olah, co-founder of AI firm Anthropic. This unique collaboration has ignited a debate about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies and the risks associated with AI, particularly concerning job displacement, environmental impact, and warfare.
A Papal Warning on AI’s Dangers
During his first major encyclical, Pope Leo XIV addressed the pressing concerns surrounding AI technology. He outlined significant risks, including job loss, environmental degradation, and the potential for AI to exacerbate conflict. At a ceremony in the Vatican to commemorate the release of his encyclical, Olah’s presence was particularly striking, given that his company, Anthropic, is at the forefront of AI development.
The Pope’s message emphasised the need to safeguard human dignity in the workplace, a sentiment that seems at odds with the increasing capability of AI systems to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans. Pete Furlong, a senior manager at the Centre for Humane Technology, expressed concern over this contradiction, stating, “All of these companies are building technology that is designed to replace people. You can’t have dignity in a world where you’re building technology to replace people.”
The Uncomfortable Alliance
Olah’s appearance at the Vatican raises critical questions about the motives behind this collaboration. Critics argue that it risks creating a superficial narrative that detracts from the serious issues at hand. Paolo Carozza, a law professor at Notre Dame, described the situation as “Vatican-washing,” suggesting that Anthropic may be using its association with the Pope to bolster its image without addressing the deeper ethical implications of its technology.
Despite these concerns, some experts see the potential for productive dialogue. Carozza noted the importance of engaging with all stakeholders in the AI debate, emphasising that it cannot simply be an “us-versus-them” scenario. Furlong echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the apparent contradictions between the Pope’s teachings and Anthropic’s operations could signal an opportunity for meaningful discourse.
Shared Concerns on the Use of AI in Warfare
Interestingly, both Pope Leo XIV and Anthropic share mutual concerns regarding the application of AI in military contexts. The Pope highlighted how AI could lower the threshold for violence and obscure accountability, advocating for stringent ethical guidelines to protect human life. This aligns with Anthropic’s own stance, as CEO Dario Amodei previously refused to allow the use of the company’s AI models for autonomous weapons or surveillance, resulting in significant backlash from the U.S. government.
Anthropic has carved out a niche as a proponent of AI safety, contrasting itself with competitors like OpenAI. The company has invested heavily in lobbying efforts to promote responsible AI regulation, spending a record £1.6 million in the first quarter of 2026.
The Environmental Impact of AI
In a lesser-discussed aspect of the encyclical, Pope Leo XIV called attention to the environmental consequences of AI infrastructure. He noted the substantial energy and water consumption associated with data centres, urging for more sustainable technological solutions. This plea for environmental stewardship stands in contrast to Anthropic’s ambitious plans, which include a staggering £50 billion investment in AI infrastructure, including data centres.
While Anthropic has committed to mitigating some of the environmental costs associated with its operations, such as covering electricity price hikes for consumers, the reality remains that its growth plans could conflict with the Pope’s call for more sustainable practices.
Why it Matters
Pope Leo XIV’s engagement with AI through this encyclical and his partnership with Chris Olah might serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about technology’s role in society. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of life, the intersection of ethics, responsibility, and innovation is more crucial than ever. This discourse not only challenges AI firms to reflect on their practices but also urges society to consider the broader implications of technological advancement, ensuring that human dignity and environmental sustainability remain at the forefront of future developments.
