Teach your students about Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, using the summary and reflection questions below. You can download and print the worksheet below to help your students understand the meaning and significance of this document as it relates to artificial intelligence.
A Short Summary of Magnifica Humanitas
In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV applies key principles of Catholic Social Doctrine to the technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI). He describes the present moment as a construction site. We can choose to either build a Tower of Babel for our own glory apart from God or a new Jerusalem in the way of Nehemiah who led the Israelites in working together to rebuild their city with the guidance of God. First, he offers five principles of Catholic Social Doctrine to guide us in our building project: common good, universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity, and social justice. Then he applies those principles to the recent developments in AI to discourage the growing power of the few who control its creation and its moral direction, particularly in warfare. He urges all people to take personal responsibility and participation in the development of AI through our own self-education, advocacy, and protection of the poor.
Magnifica Humanitas Reflection Questions
- In what ways have you personally used Artificial Intelligence?
- Would you say we are currently building a selfish Tower of Babel or Nehemiah’s collaborative Jerusalem project with AI today?
- How can students and families educate themselves about using AI ethically?
Download the Magnifica Humanitas Worksheet
Download a printable copy of this worksheet here:
AI Toolkit for Catholic Schools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education at an unprecedented pace. As Catholic school leaders and educators, it is crucial to navigate these changes thoughtfully and ethically. The Religion Teacher’s AI Toolkit for Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive resource designed to help teachers and administrators reflect on the responsible use of AI in Catholic education.
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