In a historic encounter at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV issued a stark warning about the potential perils of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting issues such as job displacement, environmental degradation, and the militarisation of technology. Standing alongside him was Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, a leading AI firm. This unusual pairing raises critical questions about the implications of AI collaborations with religious institutions and the authenticity of their shared concerns.
The Pope’s Cautionary Message
In a groundbreaking encyclical, Pope Leo XIV addressed the challenges posed by AI, emphasising the need to safeguard human dignity as automation threatens job security and the integrity of work. The pontiff’s concerns resonate deeply, particularly in light of Anthropic’s business model, which has been scrutinised for contributing to the very issues he cautions against. Pete Furlong, a senior policy manager at the Centre for Humane Technology, articulated this tension, stating, “All of these companies are building technology that … is designed to replace people. That’s very much at odds with the pope’s words.”
According to Anthropic’s own analysis, professions such as coding and customer service are increasingly at risk, with 20% of US workers acknowledging that AI has taken over aspects of their roles. Dario Amodei, Anthropic’s CEO, has voiced concerns about the impending crisis in white-collar employment, suggesting a future where such roles may be drastically diminished.
The Dilemma of ‘Vatican-Washing’
Critics, including Notre Dame law professor Paolo Carozza, have raised alarms about the potential for this collaboration to devolve into “Vatican-washing,” where the alliance serves more as a marketing strategy than a genuine effort to address the ethical implications of AI. Carozza highlighted the opportunity for Anthropic to position itself as a responsible leader in AI development, contrasting its image with competitors like Google and OpenAI, who were notably absent from the Vatican event.
However, Carozza remains optimistic about the dialogue that this partnership may foster, suggesting that collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential in navigating the ethical landscape of AI. Furlong echoes this sentiment, recognising that while the pope’s message conflicts with Anthropic’s operations, it opens a dialogue that could ultimately lead to accountability.
Shared Concerns on AI and Warfare
Despite the apparent contradictions, both Pope Leo and Anthropic converge on certain ethical grounds, particularly regarding the use of AI in military applications. The pope cautioned against the dehumanising effects of AI in warfare, emphasising the necessity for stringent ethical standards to uphold human dignity. Amodei’s refusal to allow Anthropic’s technology to be used in fully autonomous weapons reflects a commitment to these principles, even in the face of governmental pushback that has led to legal disputes.
Anthropic has positioned itself as a proponent of AI safety, actively lobbying for regulatory measures that advocate responsible AI practices. The company has significantly increased its public advocacy efforts, spending $1.6 million on lobbying in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing its competitors.
Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Amidst the discussions of job displacement and ethical warfare, Pope Leo’s encyclical also touched upon the environmental implications of AI infrastructure, specifically the substantial energy and water consumption associated with data centres. The pope’s call for sustainable technological solutions stands in juxtaposition to Anthropic’s ambitious plans, which include a $50 billion investment in AI infrastructure. While the company has pledged to mitigate rising electricity costs for consumers, the environmental impact of expanding data centre operations remains a contentious issue.
In the United States, where data centres are often met with community resistance due to their ecological footprint, Anthropic’s growth trajectory raises questions about its alignment with the pope’s vision of sustainable development. As reliance on powerful AI models grows across industries, the challenge of balancing corporate ambitions with environmental stewardship becomes increasingly pressing.
Why it Matters
The alliance between Pope Leo XIV and Anthropic’s Chris Olah illustrates a complex intersection of ethical considerations in AI development. As both parties navigate the moral landscape, the potential for “feelgood” narratives must be tempered with critical analysis. This partnership highlights the urgent need for rigorous discussions on the implications of AI, not only in terms of technological advancement but also regarding its societal and environmental consequences. As the AI landscape evolves, stakeholders must engage thoughtfully to ensure that innovations serve humanity rather than undermine it.
