Leo XIV, the current Pope, has established a reputation for maintaining a low profile in the media. Hailing from Chicago, he has simple interests like rooting for the White Sox and opposing the war in Iran. A year into his papacy, these are the basics most are familiar with about him.

His theological approach is reserved, contrasting with predecessors John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who were known for their academic prowess. Leo’s mindset aligns more with practicality and pastoral concerns, reflecting a cautious temperament, more so than that of Francis. His interests lie predominantly in addressing practical matters.

One of Leo’s early major outputs is his first encyclical letter focused on artificial intelligence, titled “Magnifica Humanitas.” While papal encyclicals often exhibit complex language and length, “Magnifica Humanitas” could be seen as overly reserved. It raises worries related to artificial intelligence but still treats it as a neutral tool rather than an inherent negative.

The opening of the letter references the Tower of Babel, a biblical story symbolizing the consequences of human overreach in technology. However, the message conveyed seems to miss the point of the story, which warns against attempting such grandiose undertakings altogether. Throughout the document, the cautious tone persists, with less engaging references than what might have been expected.

Notably, the encyclical includes some distracting quotes from sources like “The Lord of the Rings” and Hannah Arendt, reducing its impact. Observers might wish for engagement with modern critics of technological advances, such as philosopher Byung-Chul Han and historian Anton Jäger, whose insights could have sharpened the discussion.

The presentation of “Magnifica Humanitas,” attended by Christopher Olah from A.I. firm Anthropic, raised some eyebrows. The comparison to historical references like “Rerum Novarum” on the Industrial Revolution highlights the encyclical’s perceived lack of depth and ambition.