What big names are saying about Pope Leo's AI letter

May 25, 2026 - 20:32

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical letter on Monday, focusing entirely on the ethics and future of artificial intelligence. The document, which calls for a "human-centered" approach to AI development, has quickly generated strong reactions from major figures in technology, politics, and religious circles.

Elon Musk offered a rare public endorsement of a papal document, posting on his social platform that the Pope's warnings about unchecked AI growth were "refreshingly direct." Musk, who has repeatedly called for AI regulation, said the encyclical's emphasis on human dignity aligned with his own concerns about superintelligent machines.

Microsoft President Brad Smith praised the letter for its "constructive tone," noting that the Vatican's call for global cooperation on AI ethics mirrors similar efforts by the company. "The Pope is asking the right questions about transparency and accountability," Smith said in a statement.

Political reactions were more divided. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the encyclical as a "moral compass" for the European Union's upcoming AI legislation. However, some U.S. Republican lawmakers expressed caution, with Senator Ted Cruz arguing that the Vatican should not "dictate innovation policy to free societies."

Religious leaders from other faiths also weighed in. The Archbishop of Canterbury released a brief statement calling the letter "a necessary intervention" while the Grand Mufti of Egypt noted that Islamic scholars had raised similar concerns about algorithmic bias for years.

The encyclical stops short of banning any specific technology but urges governments to treat AI as a "tool for fraternity, not domination." The Vatican has scheduled a follow-up conference with tech executives for next month.