Pope Leo XIV's First Encyclical Declares 'Just War' Theory Outdated

In a significant pronouncement for the Catholic Church and global ethics, Pope Leo XIV, the current head of the Catholic Church elected on May 8, 2025, has formally declared the long-standing 'just war' theory as 'outdated'. This declaration is a key component of his first encyclical, titled 'Magnifica Humanitas' (Latin for 'Magnificent Humanity'), which was signed on May 15, 2026, and officially released on May 25, 2026. The encyclical is a comprehensive document that primarily addresses the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in contemporary society, emphasizing the need to safeguard human dignity in an increasingly technology-driven world. The article from The Hindu accurately reflects a major claim within this encyclical. Pope Leo XIV explicitly states in the fifth and final section of 'Magnifica Humanitas' that "Today, more than ever, without prejudice to the right to self-defense in the strictest sense, it is important to reaffirm that the 'just war' theory, which has all too often been used to justify any kind of war, is now outdated". This statement signals a notable shift in papal teaching, building upon previous concerns raised by Pope Francis regarding the applicability of 'just war' principles in modern conflict. The reference to the theory being "put forward by U.S." in the headline likely alludes to instances where the concept has been invoked by the U.S. government, such as the 'Trump administration', to justify military actions. 'Magnifica Humanitas' is hailed as Pope Leo XIV's 'first manifesto' or 'first major teaching', setting the foundational principles for his papacy. The document extends over 200 pages and offers a broad reflection on the Church's understanding of the human person in light of AI advancements. It calls for the 'disarming' of AI, which the Pope clarifies does not mean rejecting technology, but rather preventing it from dominating humanity and ensuring it is freed from an 'armed logic' of competition driven by geopolitical and commercial dominance. He warns against the potential for AI to facilitate 'new digital slaveries' and highlights its significant environmental impact. A notable aspect of the encyclical's presentation at the Vatican was the presence of Christopher Olah, co-founder of the AI company Anthropic. Pope Leo XIV publicly thanked Olah for accepting the invitation 'to walk together, to listen and to speak' in the age of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for dialogue between faith leaders and technology developers. Olah, whose company aims to prioritize AI safety, acknowledged the inherent pressures within AI labs that can sometimes conflict with doing 'the right thing', and welcomed external scrutiny from institutions like the Church. He even revealed that Anthropic's research team has found 'mysterious, even unsettling' internal states in their AI models that 'mirror joy, satisfaction, fear, grief, and unease', raising profound questions about the nature of advanced AI. Beyond AI and just war, Pope Leo XIV also made an unprecedented apology in 'Magnifica Humanitas' for the Vatican's historical role in the slave trade, calling it 'a wound in Christian memory' and sincerely asking for pardon on behalf of the Church. This encyclical, by addressing such pressing global issues, underscores the Vatican's commitment to guiding humanity through complex moral and technological landscapes. The call for a 'civilization of love' and an end to war reflects a consistent theme from previous popes, reimagining a world where conflict is no longer a political instrument. The bold pronouncements within 'Magnifica Humanitas' are poised to shape global discussions on ethics, technology, and peace for years to come.

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