During his trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV gave us a glimpse into his interpretation of the Church’s social doctrine — with themes ranging from the societal impact of artificial intelligence to the role of the Church and peace. And everything suggests these will be the themes of the Pope’s first, highly anticipated encyclical.
For now, sources agree that the working title of the encyclical is Magnifica Humanitas, “Magnificent Humanity.” Expanding on Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum — translated as “New Things” — Leo XIV wants an encyclical that provides a Christian response to the world we live in, one that is rather more complex than a general analysis of social situations to which a vision of the Church can be given.
At the time of his election, Leo XIV emphasized that he had chosen his pontifical name with Leo XIII in mind, noting that humanity is currently facing another industrial revolution as sweeping as the one his predecessor confronted, this one brought about by artificial intelligence and other new challenges.
In recent months, the Pope has returned several times to the themes of social doctrine, related to various issues and with varying nuances. However, three of the Pope’s speeches
