Pope Leo has issued an encyclical specifically addressing artificial intelligence, marking the first papal letter dedicated to the emerging technology. The pontiff, who is the first American to hold the office, called for placing human care at the center of technological advancement.

In the papal letter, Pope Leo urged artificial intelligence leaders to slow down development and carefully consider the potential dangers the technology poses to society. The encyclical represents a significant intervention by the Catholic Church into contemporary debates surrounding AI development and regulation.

The timing of the pope's statement coincides with ongoing global discussions about AI governance and safety measures. Tech industry leaders and policymakers worldwide have been grappling with how to balance innovation with potential risks as AI capabilities rapidly advance.

Notably, a co-founder of a prominent artificial intelligence company was present during the pope's address on the topic. The proximity of industry leadership to the papal message underscores the direct nature of the Church's engagement with technology sector leaders.

The encyclical adds the Vatican's voice to growing calls for responsible AI development, as religious, political, and technological leaders seek frameworks for managing the technology's societal impact.