Pope Leo XIV's First Encyclical Goes Viral, Blending AI Critique with American Cultural Flair

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity), has sparked a viral sensation online, particularly among young people who see the pontiff as a rare global leader addressing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. The document, released last week, calls for robust regulation of AI, describing it as an affront to God and a modern Tower of Babel.

Social media reactions have been enthusiastic, with meme accounts like Saint Hoax posting videos to millions of followers, and users declaring their newfound appreciation for the pope.

The 70-year-old pontiff, the first U.S.-born pope, has embraced contemporary culture in ways that resonate with younger audiences. He was recently seen wearing Nike sneakers under his vestments and quoted Gandalf from J.R.R.

Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" in his encyclical. Robert Orsi, a professor at Northwestern University, noted the document's emphasis on individual freedom and human dignity, comparing its language to the Declaration of Independence.

This cultural fluency has led to viral moments, such as the pope performing the "6-7" hand gesture meme with visiting youths, despite not understanding its meaning.

Leo's encyclical, informed by the Second Vatican Council, takes a respectful yet critical stance on modern issues. He directly addressed the doctrine of "just war," calling it outdated and advocating for dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness instead.

The pope has also publicly critiqued policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and the ongoing war in Iran, drawing responses from conservatives like Vice President JD Vance.

The Vatican's engagement with Silicon Valley was evident when Leo presented the encyclical alongside Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah, part of a decade-long effort to discuss AI's human cost. The pope has also hosted Hollywood figures like Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee, and shown his love for the Chicago White Sox, inspiring a subgenre of memes.

Isabel Thurston, a Catholic comedian from Boston, posted a viral video studying the encyclical with margaritas, celebrating the church's renewed relevance. Orsi believes this strategy comes at a crucial time for the Catholic Church, as it reckons with its legacy of clergy sexual abuse, drawing back those who had moved away.