Anthropic cofounder Chris Olah publicly praised Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas,” which addresses the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Olah highlighted the document’s emphasis on human dignity and its call for responsible AI development. He noted that the encyclical aligns with Anthropic’s mission to build safe and beneficial AI systems. The remarks were made in a blog post published on May 25, 2026.
This is a welcome convergence of two worlds often seen as opposed. The Pope’s encyclical isn’t a rejection of technology. It’s a blueprint for its future. A future where AI amplifies human potential, not diminishes it. Olah’s enthusiasm is contagious. He sees the Church as an unexpected ally in the quest for ethical AI. This isn’t about religion versus science. It’s about shared values.
We’re moving from a phase of pure innovation to one of integration. The encyclical provides a moral compass. Anthropic provides the technical expertise. Together, they signal a path forward. A path where AI serves humanity, not the other way around. Olah’s optimism is justified. The future is not something that happens to us. It’s something we build. And now we have better tools and better guidance.