The pope’s AI encyclical isn’t really about AI

Here's something that might surprise you — Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical isn’t really about AI. According to Rebecca Bellan writing in AI, the Vatican is using AI as a mirror to reflect on age-old issues like concentrated power, the decline of democracy, and how a small tech elite is steering the world for their own benefit. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Bellan points out that the pope isn’t condemning AI itself; instead, he’s warning that the real danger isn’t the technology but how it can deepen existing inequalities and give a few people even more control. As the Vatican’s message unfolds, it’s clear that this isn’t some tech scare — it’s a call for moral oversight and humility in how we wield power, no matter how advanced the tools. So what does this mean for you? The takeaway is simple: AI’s impact isn’t just about innovation; it’s about who shapes the future — and that’s a conversation everyone needs to be part of.