While Pope Leo’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” is less than a month old, it’s already somewhat clear where the American bishops stand and how they will approach advocacy on the topic of Artificial Intelligence going forward.
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Bishops’ Conference, has called the document “a powerful reminder that no technology can replace a child of God” and noted that the USCCB Committee on Doctrine will lead and coordinate the organization’s work on AI going forward.
However, to really get a sense of the American bishops’ AI stance and advocacy approach — which aligns with Pope Leo’s stance, as articulated in the encyclical — it’s important to consider a letter six USCCB committee chairmen wrote to Congress on June 9, 2025.
The letter, addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — details ethical principles and policy considerations for Congress
The USCCB committee chairmen cite dignity of the human person, care for the poor, and respect for truth as the ethical principles Congress should follow. It also advocates for policy priorities regarding family life; labor and the economy; healthcare, education, and political and civic life; warfare; and environment and energy.
“These ethical principles and select policy recommendations are not intended to be exhaustive, but a modest initial reflection for your consideration as you deliberate on options for federal policy and regulatory action,” the letter states.
The letter was signed by: Bishop William Byrne, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Communications; Archbishop Borys Gudziak, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Bishop Elias Zaidan, chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace; Bishop David O’Connell, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Catholic Education; Bishop Robert Barron, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; and Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
Below are the key points from each section of the letter. In a separate statement, the USCCB has stated that its “response to AI is that this technology must serve humanity and the common good of all people.”
Click Here to Listen to the Audiobook of Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Dignity of the Human Person: “The inherent dignity of every human person must always be at the center of technological development. AI is a tool that, when informed by sound moral principles, can help overcome many of life’s obstacles and improve the human condition. But this technology should supplement what human beings do, not replace them or their moral judgments. We also must avoid temptations toward transhumanism or equating AI itself with human life.”
Care for the Poor: “The U.S. bishops emphasize the need for moral criteria both in economic decisions and technological development. AI will only serve all when it works to assist our poorest and most vulnerable sisters and brothers and when they can equitably participate in and benefit from its development and use.”
Respect for the Truth: “AI offers the opportunity to develop vast amounts of information in creative ways, share knowledge, and enhance communication among people. With the rise in ‘deepfakes,’ misuse of news and political information to manipulate public opinion, and the spread of falsehoods, AI is being used by some to undermine the dignity of persons and respect for the truth. AI systems must have human oversight and well-defined accountability in order to promote transparency and fair democratic processes.”
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Family Life: “While AI can contribute to the efficiency of certain daily tasks and aid in communication, the isolating effect of technology needs to be counteracted. AI should work to strengthen and support family life. Policies should ensure that AI does not promote or enhance morally offensive uses of reproductive technologies and genetic manipulation. Policies should also be enacted to protect children online and address the scourge of pornography, including ‘virtual child pornography.’ ”
Healthcare, Education, and Political and Civic Life: “AI has the potential to improve many aspects of life and society. However, its development has already introduced profound moral questions which affect integral human development and the authentic formation of the human person. If not thoughtfully regulated, it has even greater possibilities of further polarizing society and worsening inequalities.”
Warfare: “Policies should make clear that human control over any weapon system is essential to mitigate the horrors of warfare and the undermining of fundamental human rights.”
Energy and Environment: “AI may hold great benefits in finding solutions to the current crises of energy and the environment, but it may also contribute to serious problems by requiring huge expenditures on energy and an increased consumption of resources. We ask you to promote policies that encourage making AI searches and data centers more energy efficient and promote responsible water and component recycling.”