How the Pope’s Magnifica Humanitas offers a template for individuals to meet the AI moment
The Magnificent Humanity of AI Governance
Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical on artificial intelligence, "Magnifica Humanitas," has sent shockwaves through the tech community, emphasizing the need for responsible AI governance. The encyclical's central message – that technology is never neutral – resonates with institutional investors who have been pushing for greater accountability in AI deployment. As we navigate the complexities of AI, it's essential to recognize the power of human agency in shaping its development and ensuring that it serves the greater good.
The Tower of Babel vs. the Rebuilding of Jerusalem
The biblical story of the Tower of Babel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological progress. In this narrative, humans sought to build a massive structure that reached the heavens, only to be thwarted by God's intervention. The project's failure was not due to a lack of resources or expertise but rather its divorce from any concern for human well-being or the divine commandments. In contrast, the Book of Nehemiah offers a more hopeful narrative, where the rebuilding of Jerusalem becomes an opportunity for humanity to show its collaborative resilience. This story highlights the importance of working together, with God at the center, to rebuild relationships and create a better future.
AI as a Commercial Product
Pope Leo's encyclical reminds us that AI is not a force of nature or an ineffable entity but rather a commercial product emerging at a time when excessive power has concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. This message resonates with institutional investors who have been advocating for greater transparency and accountability in AI deployment. By recognizing AI as a product, we can hold its creators and deployers accountable for its impact on society.
The Vacuum of Institutional Oversight
Around the world, AI systems are being deployed at scale with remarkably little institutional oversight. There is no AI safety board, and regulatory bodies such as the US Federal Trade Commission have limited authority over algorithmic design. The National Institute of Standards and Technology publishes guidance that most companies ignore, and the EU AI Act is partially in force but addresses only a sliver of the deployment surface. In this vacuum, institutional investors have stepped in to demand greater accountability and transparency in AI deployment.
Shareholders as AI Governance Advocates
Institutional investors have filed resolutions demanding transparency, risk assessment, and accountability around AI deployment. They have called out tech giants for using AI to commit acts of violence or other violations of human rights. For example, investors have challenged executives at CVS and UnitedHealth Group to ensure that AI is not used to undermine the well-being of patients and quality of health care. At companies like Meta and Microsoft, shareholders have decried the environmental impact of AI data centers, which consume vast amounts of energy and precious water resources.
The Power of Human Agency
The actions of institutional investors demonstrate the power of human agency in shaping the development and deployment of AI. By recognizing the importance of responsible AI governance, we can create a future where AI serves the greater good. As Pope Leo's encyclical reminds us, it is essential that the use of AI, especially when it touches on public goods and fundamental rights, be guided by clear criteria and effective oversight.
A Turning Point in History
The current moment presents a turning point in history. Will we be remembered for being too timid or shortsighted to prevent a small group of wealthy and self-interested individuals from seizing control over the human family's shared destiny? Or will we be seen as having rebuilt our common humanity, working together to create a future that honors our Creator? The choice is ours, and it is a choice that requires courage, solidarity, and a commitment to the magnificent humanity that defines us.
Conclusion
The Magnificent Humanity of AI Governance is a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to shape the development and deployment of AI. By recognizing the importance of responsible AI governance, we can create a future where AI serves the greater good. As we navigate the complexities of AI, let us remember the stories of the Tower of Babel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and let us choose to build a future that honors our Creator and serves the human family.
