Pope Leo XIV cites Tolkien in encyclical on AI and human dignity
By
Miles Klee
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, cites J.R.R. Tolkien alongside traditional saints and pontiffs to discuss safeguarding humanity in the age of artificial intelligence. The reference to The Lord of the Rings author serves as an implicit critique of tech billionaires who have misinterpreted Tolkien's work, drawing on themes from predecessor Pope Francis about the growing dominance of technology over human dignity.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe name that immediately jumped out to many readers is one synonymous with high fantasy literature: J.R.R. Tolkien, the Catholic author of The Lord of the Rings.
Leo's letter is concerned with 'safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence,' a major theme of his first year as leader of the Catholic Church.
Drawing from his predecessor, Pope Francis, he warns of 'the growing dominance'
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