In a historic moment at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV has delivered a profound encyclical addressing the perils of artificial intelligence, raising eyebrows with the unexpected presence of Chris Olah, co-founder of AI powerhouse Anthropic. This unprecedented collaboration has sparked a debate on ethical responsibility within the AI industry, as the pontiff outlined the grave threats posed by technology to humanity—ranging from job displacement to environmental degradation.
A Papal Call to Action
During his first major written teaching as pope, Leo XIV emphasised the critical need to safeguard human dignity in the face of rapid technological advancement. He pinpointed AI as a double-edged sword, capable of both enhancing human capability and undermining the very fabric of society. The Pope’s encyclical serves as a clarion call, warning against the potential for AI to exacerbate unemployment, fuel warfare, and wreak havoc on our planet.
Olah’s participation in this ceremony raises significant questions. How can a leading figure of a company at the forefront of AI innovation align with the Vatican’s warning against the very consequences his technology may foster? This juxtaposition has led to discussions about the sincerity and implications of such partnerships.
The Dilemma of Automation
The encyclical draws attention to the threat AI poses to various professions, particularly in coding, customer service, and data entry—fields that are increasingly vulnerable to automation. According to Anthropic’s own labour market analysis, a staggering 20% of full-time workers in the United States reported that AI has supplanted aspects of their jobs. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has voiced concerns over a cataclysmic loss of white-collar jobs in the years to come.
Critics argue that while Pope Leo XIV is raising the alarm, companies like Anthropic appear to be prioritising profit over the ethical implications of their technology. Pete Furlong, senior manager of policy at the Center for Humane Technology, asserts, “You can’t have dignity in a world where you’re building technology to replace people.” This stark contrast highlights a pressing need for a more profound engagement with ethical considerations in AI development.
The Risk of Superficial Engagement
The collaboration between Anthropic and the Vatican has sparked accusations of “Vatican-washing,” a term used to describe superficial alliances that lack genuine accountability. Paolo Carozza, a law professor at Notre Dame, cautions that such partnerships may lead to a feel-good narrative devoid of critical examination. He notes that Anthropic is positioning itself as a leader in AI safety, distinct from competitors like Google and OpenAI, which may lend them credibility without necessitating substantive change.
While Carozza expresses hope for meaningful dialogue, the concern remains that these discussions could become mere platitudes without actionable outcomes. The challenge lies in transforming these high-level conversations into real-world commitments that address the socio-economic impacts of AI.
Shared Concerns on Warfare and Ethics
Interestingly, both Pope Leo XIV and Anthropic align on the ethical boundaries concerning AI’s role in warfare. The Pope cautioned against the use of AI in military applications, advocating for stringent ethical constraints to preserve the sanctity of life. Amodei has echoed these sentiments by refusing to allow his company’s AI models to be used in fully autonomous weapons, leading to significant tensions with the US government.
Anthropic’s commitment to AI safety differentiates it from other major players, as evidenced by their record-breaking $1.6 million expenditure on lobbying for AI regulation in the first quarter of 2026. This proactive stance suggests a genuine effort to address the potential risks associated with AI technologies, even as the company continues to expand its infrastructure.
Environmental Implications of AI
Amidst the dialogue on AI, Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical also critiqued the environmental impact of data centres, which power AI systems. He highlighted the excessive energy and water consumption associated with current AI technologies, calling for sustainable alternatives. With Anthropic’s ambitious investment of $50 billion in AI infrastructure, the potential conflict between their growth strategies and the Pope’s call for environmental accountability raises important questions about the future of AI development.
As communities grapple with the consequences of data centre proliferation—concerns that include rising energy costs and industrial emissions—the challenge of balancing innovation with sustainability becomes increasingly pressing.
Why it Matters
The intersection of religion and technology is often fraught with complexity, but the recent engagement between Pope Leo XIV and Anthropic underscores a critical moment for the future of AI. As the Catholic Church advocates for ethical considerations and the preservation of human dignity, the tech industry must heed this call. The implications of AI on society are profound, and the dialogue initiated by the Pope could catalyse much-needed accountability and reform within the industry. The stakes are high, and the future of work, ethics, and the environment hangs in the balance.