Pope Leo to issue first major work, addressing AI, on May 25

VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo will release his first in-depth document, expected to address the rise of artificial intelligence and challenges to workers' rights, on May 25, the Vatican announced on Monday.

The text, known as an encyclical, is also likely to decry the wars roiling the world. It will be titled "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity) and was formally signed by the pope on Friday ahead of publication, a statement said.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, will take part in a Vatican presentation of the text on the day of its publication, in an unusual move for a Catholic pontiff.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Gavin Jones)

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 6:54 AM.