Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, is Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, addressing human dignity and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. This encyclical invites us to consider the profound impacts that rapid technological advancement has on human work, social relations, and the common good of all people.
Read the document in English
Lea el documento en Español
Archbishop Lori The Future Isn’t Artificial – It’s Human
in the Baltimore Sun
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 2025 Labor Day Statement:
Promoting The Dignity of Workers in the Rise of AI
August 6 Email
May the Peace of Christ be with you.
Thank you to the nearly 60 participants (on 50 screens) who joined us last night for the first session of our three part webinar on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. We were grateful for the thoughtful presentations and the rich, timely conversation they inspired. We look forward to continuing this journey together next Wednesday.
Attached, you will find a brief summary of last night’s discussion.
We were able to video record most of the session (found here). However, the recording did not begin right at the start. This was not a technological issue so much as simple “user error.” A transcript of the missing portion of the opening presentation is included at the end of the summary. Our apologies to David Opitz, whose some of his initial remarks were not captured in the recording.
Next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., we will turn our attention to Chapters 3 and 4. Even if you were unable to attend last night, there is still much to explore and discern in Pope Leo XIV’s teaching.
We look forward to seeing you next week on the same Zoom link.
Scott
August 14 E-mail
May the Peace of Christ be with you.
The take-away of the evening on Wednesday night is that we might consider reformatting our AI prompt request with the preface “As a Christian….. This was the preeminent effort towards subsidiarity in making a difference on the most local level. We also consider the need to address disarming AI , especially considering potential effects on our economy and workplaces.
Attached you will find an AI-generated summary of our time together on Wednesday and here is the video link to be shared.
Next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., we will collude with Chapter 5 and the inevitable s question of “So What?” Even if you were unable to attend last night, there is still much to explore and discern in Pope Leo XIV’s teaching. We look forward to seeing you next week on the same Zoom link.
Scott
August 26 e-Mail
May the Peace of Christ be with you.
Sorry, it has taken a while to follow-up after our third session. A family matter arose after our session and I have been playing catch-up ever since
The AI generated re-write: Thank you for your patience. I apologize that it has taken me some time to follow up after our third session. A family matter arose shortly afterward, and I have been working to catch up. I appreciate your understanding, and I’m grateful for your continued commitment as we move forward.
Added to this apology is an overdue appreciation of our speakers who led us in thoughtful conversation. Thank you so much, David, Michelle, and Father Ryan.
One of the ”homework assignments” following this session was – – Consider organizing more multigenerational conversations about AI, possibly inviting high school and college students to share their experiences and perspectives.
If there is a church-news topic that arises in the headlines… such as Pope Leo’s comments on Artificial Intelligence (and humanity).. please call my attention to it and let’s do something like this again.
A video of our time together in Session three is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uk7uuk0qgw as is a summary.
Scott