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Pope Leo XIV Calls for AI Regulation in New Encyclical, Sparking Viral Internet Trend","description":"The first U.S.-born pope released a sweeping encyclical urging strict regulation of artificial intelligence, igniting memes, social media reactions and a broader debate on technology and faith.","summary":"Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural encyclical ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ emphasizes the need for governing artificial intelligence, blending pop culture references with a call for moral and legal oversight. The announcement sparked viral memes on Instagram and X, fueled discussion about AI’s societal impact, and prompted criticism from some Catholic conservatives. Experts note the pope’s approachable style and his use of contemporary culture— from movie talks with Hollywood stars to Tik‑Tok‑like gestures—may broaden the Church’s appeal to younger audiences. The encyclical also revisits the Church’s stance on war and policy, calling the doctrine of ‘just war’ outdated and urging dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness as a path to peace.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/c9fe054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2922x1948+0+0/resize/599x399!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6b%2Fc2%2F25b9cdb43530b18dd1ac054cd557%2Fa45f8e3ebdc6447ca5bacbb963f5dd7d","text":"<p>In a decisive moment for the modern Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, the United States’ first native-born pontiff, released a sweeping encyclical that calls for the robust regulation of artificial intelligence. The document, titled <strong>Magnifica Humanitas</strong>, arrives amid a global conversation about technology’s rapid rise and its moral implications.</p>\n\n<p>The pope’s declaration quickly became a social media phenomenon. An Instagram account called Saint Hoax, which follows the Pope’s weekly posts, shared a video to its more than 3 million followers during which a meme highlights the Pope’s plea to “disarm” AI. The caption read: “Love my woke pope (I’m not even Catholic).” A trending X post amplified the reaction, reading, “The atheism leaves my body the moment the pope starts talking about how AI is an affront to God and the new Tower of Babel.”</p>\n\n<p>These reactions reflect a broader sentiment. Many young people believe that political and global leaders have not adequately addressed the consequences of AI. The encyclical’s insistence that the Church must engage with contemporary challenges has resonated strongly online.</p>\n\n<p>“It’s clear that this is written by an American pope,” said Robert Orsi, a professor of religious studies at Northwestern University. He noted that the document’s emphasis on individual freedom and human dignity echoes the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.</p>\n\n<p>Leo XIV is not the first pope to embrace pop culture. He was photographed wearing Nike sneakers under his cassock and famously referenced Gandalf from <em>The Lord of the Rings</em> in his opening remarks. A recent visit to the Vatican saw the 70‑year‑old pontiff perform an online meme gesture known as the 6‑7 meme— a playful nod that sparked cheers from an enthusiastic crowd.</p>\n\n<p>Beyond the memes, the encyclical stresses the Church’s responsibility in shaping social relations: “She cannot consider herself a stranger to the forces shaping society. On the contrary, the Church actively participates in the processes by which society grows and is organized.”</p>\n\n<p>Leo’s engagement extends beyond technology. In 2025, the pope hosted a “World of Cinema” day at the Vatican, welcoming actors such as Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee. He received a custom New York Knicks jersey numbered 14 with “Pope Leo” on the back. He voiced belief that art can open possibilities that algorithms cannot, underscoring the importance of cultural venues in community building.</p>\n\n<p>The encyclical also revisits the Church’s stance on war. Leo directly critiques the doctrine of “just war,” calling it outdated. He encourages the Church to promote dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness instead of armed conflict.</p>\n\n<p>The Vatican’s partnership with Anthropic, a tech company co‑founded by Christopher Olah, illustrates its willingness to engage Silicon Valley in dialogue over AI’s human costs. Critics argue that such collaboration risks diluting the Church’s spiritual mission, while supporters say it is necessary for the Church to understand the technology that shapes modern life.</p>\n\n<p>Across social media, the encyclical’s reception continues to unfold. A Bostonian comedian, Isabel Thurston, posted a video that garnered over three million views, celebrating the pope’s message. Her content showcases a merging of faith and contemporary culture, engaging Catholics and non‑Catholics alike.</p>\n\n<p>As the world watches, Pope Leo XIV’s blend of tradition, innovation, and approachable leadership might redefine how the Vatican interacts with the digital age and broader society.</p>
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