In a formal letter released July 16, 2026, Pope Leo XIV issued a warning regarding the potential for artificial intelligence to cause significant economic and labor market disruptions. The pontiff expressed concern that the rapid adoption of AI technology could threaten the stability and livelihoods of workers worldwide.
The communication draws historical parallels to Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which supported the right of workers to form unions during the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIV’s message argues that modern technological shifts require similar protections for the global workforce to prevent economic displacement.
The Vatican’s statement joins a broader international debate regarding the regulation of automated systems and generative AI. While the message acknowledged the technical advancements of AI, it emphasized that the technology should be implemented in a manner that prioritizes human labor and economic security.