Pope Leo XIV Calls for Public Oversight of Data and Algorithms

Pope Leo XIV posted on X Tuesday that decisions about algorithms, data and digital platforms should not rest with a small group of powerful actors. The post came one day after the pope released an open letter calling on governments and technology leaders to protect workers, children and human dignity from the effects of artificial intelligence.

The document, titled “Magnifica Humanitas,” was presented Monday alongside Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah. In the encyclical the pope stated that algorithms, data and digital infrastructure should be treated as modern forms of property requiring wider access and oversight.

He wrote that a just digital society must combat misinformation and ensure technology serves human dignity and the common good rather than profit alone.

Hours before the encyclical release, Pope Leo XIV issued an apology acknowledging the Vatican’s historical role in legitimizing slavery. The statement marked the first time a pope has publicly recognized past papal actions that granted European rulers authority to enslave non-Christians.