AI’s Influence in Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical: A Closer Look
Recent discussions have emerged regarding the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the drafting of Pope Leo XIV’s latest encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which addresses the impact of AI on humanity. An analysis by Linch Zhang, shared on the forum LessWrong, indicates that portions of the document may have been generated by AI, with estimates ranging from 40% to 100% for certain paragraphs based on evaluations from the AI detection tool, Pangram.
AI Detection Insights
The analysis highlights specific characteristics typical of AI-generated writing. For instance, the word “genuinely” appears more frequently in this encyclical compared to previous ones, a trait associated with writing produced by Anthropic’s AI model, Claude. Zhang’s examination revealed that 62% of the first chapter was flagged as AI-generated when evaluated section by section. A broader assessment conducted by The Verge found that approximately 46% of a 2,000-word excerpt from the encyclical was identified as AI-written.
Despite these findings, certain sections of the encyclical were confirmed to be human-written. Pangram marked some parts as having “essentially 0% AI,” and the first 20 paragraphs of the last four encyclicals were classified with 100% confidence as human-generated. Additionally, a transcript of Pope Leo’s speech received a similar designation, reinforcing the presence of human authorship within the document.
Limitations of AI Detection
It is crucial to note that AI detection tools are not infallible. Different detectors can yield varying results, and even when a consensus is reached, there is no absolute assurance of accuracy. Nevertheless, Pangram is a well-regarded tool among AI researchers. According to a statement from Pangram in March 2025, their estimated false positive rate for incorrectly identifying human-written content as AI-generated is about 1 in 10,000.
The Significance of the Encyclical
Encyclicals are formal letters issued by the Pope, designed to convey teachings that address significant moral and social issues of the time. This encyclical marks Pope Leo XIV’s first, following Pope Francis’s last in October 2024. Notably, it is the first encyclical to focus specifically on AI and its extensive implications for society. Pope Leo presented the document alongside Christopher Olah, a co-founder of Anthropic, highlighting the collaborative nature of addressing modern challenges posed by AI.
As discussions around AI’s role in various sectors continue to evolve, the implications of this encyclical may prompt further examination of the intersection between technology and morality. The Vatican has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the use of AI in the encyclical’s creation, leaving room for speculation and ongoing dialogue in the field.
Conclusion
The potential involvement of AI in the drafting of Magnifica Humanitas raises important questions about authorship, authenticity, and the future of communication within the Church. As society grapples with the ethical implications of AI, this encyclical serves as a significant touchpoint for discourse on the intersection of technology and human values.
