Intro to the Pope's AI Letter

Welcome to Season 2 of Benedictine Thought in Action! Hosts John Badley and Jason Heron kick off the new season by setting their sights on Pope Leo XIV’s landmark encyclical, Magnifica humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), a document dedicated to safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.

The hosts explore why this letter carries vital importance within higher education and Benedictine academic communities, while sharing their own personal and professional work with AI—including Jason’s research projects connected with the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and Education. They unpack the historical context of papal encyclicals and explain how Catholic social teaching brings the wisdom of the gospel to bear on modern technological shifts.

Finally, Jon and Jason break down the core theme of "magnificent humanity," challenging rigid definitions of the image of God that rely solely on human rationality. Join the conversation for an engaging look at theology, technology, and human purpose, along with a roadmap of what to expect across Season 2.

Music licensed through Soundstripe.