Following the publication of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on 25 May 2026, several CIDSE member organisations have begun engaging with its call to safeguard human dignity in the era of artificial intelligence. Across the network, initial reflections, analyses and resources highlight both the urgency and the opportunity to shape technological developments in ways that serve the common good, social justice and integral ecology:
CAFOD (England and Wales) highlights the Pope’s text as a timely call to safeguard human dignity in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. In its initial response, the organisation emphasises the risks of deepening global inequalities and reinforces the importance of ensuring that technological developments serve the common good. CAFOD also contributes to deepening public engagement with the encyclical by providing accessible resources that explain its key messages. These resources serve to reaffirm the centrality of dignity, solidarity, and justice, as well as the need to prioritise the most vulnerable in digital transformation.
See: https://cafod.org.uk/news/media/press-releases/cafod-statement-pope-leo-xiv-s-encyclical-magnifica-humanitas
https://cafod.org.uk/pray/magnifica-humanitas-explained
CCFD–Terre Solidaire (France) offers a first reading that situates the encyclical within broader struggles for social and ecological justice. By engaging critically with its key themes, CIDSE’s French member emphasises the urgency of addressing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to global inequalities, environmental limits and the responsibility to shape technologies that serve people and the planet.
See: https://ccfd-terresolidaire.org/magnifica-humanitas-une-premiere-lecture-de-lencyclique-du-pape-sur-lia/
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada (Canada) presents the encyclical as a strong invitation to place human dignity at the heart of technological progress. Echoing its commitment to solidarity and social justice, the organisation highlights the need to critically assess the direction of digital innovation, ensuring that it contributes to the common good and does not reinforce patterns of exclusion or inequality at the global level.
See: https://devp.org/en/magnifica-humanitas-pope-leo-xiv-encyclical/
KOO (Austria) has welcomed the encyclical as an important affirmation of the work of Catholic development organisations. Emphasising its clear focus on social justice and global responsibility in the context of new technologies, KOO underscores how the text strengthens efforts to challenge structural inequalities and supports ongoing advocacy for an economy and digital transformation that truly serve people, especially those on the margins.
See: https://www.koo.at/aktuelles/158160/koo-enzyklika-staerkt-kirchlichen-hilfsorganisationen-den-ruecken
Manos Unidas (Spain) reflects on the encyclical as a continuation of the Church’s living social teaching, highlighting its relevance for today’s “new realities” shaped by digital transformation. Drawing from its long-standing work with communities experiencing poverty and exclusion, the organisation underlines the importance of ensuring that technological developments remain grounded in human dignity, justice and solidarity, and calls for a renewed commitment to accompany those most affected by inequality.
See: https://www.manosunidas.org/noticia/magnifica-humanitas-como-poner-ia-al-servicio-bien-comun
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns (USA) has gathered a wide range of resources to accompany reflection and action around the encyclical. From webinars and study materials to a joint statement, the organisation invites communities to engage with the Pope’s call to safeguard human dignity in the digital age, promoting dialogue, awareness and concrete steps towards a more just and peaceful world shaped by integral ecology.
See: https://maryknollogc.org/action/pope-leos-new-encyclical-on-ai/
Taken together, these initial responses demonstrate a collective dedication within the CIDSE network to addressing the potential of artificial intelligence through the principles of justice, dignity, and stewardship of our common home. As the reception of Magnificat Humanitas continues to unfold, these contributions represent already a significant step towards fostering collective reflection and action for a future where technological innovation is guided by ethical responsibility.
Remark: this page will be updated in the coming weeks and months, as CIDSE members share further reflections, analyses and resources on the encyclical.
CIDSE contact: Giorgio Gotra,Operations and Communications Manager (gotra(at)cidse.org)
Cover image: Pope Leo XIV Inauguration Mass In St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025.
Photo credit: Flickr/Mazur, Catholic Church of England and Wales, licensed CC BY NC ND 2.0.