Vatican Prepares AI Ethics Encyclical, Establishes Expert Commission

Vatican City — The Vatican is preparing an encyclical on artificial intelligence and establishing a high-level commission to guide policy development, according to AP News. The document follows the Pope’s approval of an Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence and a study group to support the encyclical’s creation.

The encyclical will consolidate the Vatican’s past statements on AI, emphasizing ethical considerations such as human dignity, social justice and the prevention of harm through irresponsible use of the technology. The Interdicasterial Commission, announced by Vatican News, brings together senior church officials and external experts to address theological, legal and societal implications of AI advancements.

Separately, the Pope has established a specialized study group to analyze technical and philosophical dimensions of AI, as reported by Yahoo! Finance Canada. This group will provide recommendations ahead of the encyclical’s release, which could shape international regulatory frameworks and corporate practices, particularly in the United States where Vatican ethics guidance often informs policy debates.

An encyclical represents the highest form of papal teaching, carrying moral authority within the Catholic Church. The Vatican’s focus on AI ethics reflects growing concerns about algorithmic bias, surveillance and autonomous weapons systems, issues that intersect with both religious and secular governance priorities.