BackPope Leo XIV Cites J.R.R. Tolkien in AI Skeptic Encyclical, Contrasting with Tech Moguls' Interpretations

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Wired5/27/2026Religion

Pope Leo XIV Cites J.R.R. Tolkien in AI Skeptic Encyclical, Contrasting with Tech Moguls' Interpretations

Pope Leo XIV J.R.R. Tolkien AI Ethics

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Pope Leo XIV references J.R.R.
Tolkien in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, warning against the dangers of unchecked AI development, contrasting with interpretations by tech billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel who draw different lessons from Tolkien's works.

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Pope Leo XIV references J.R.R. Tolkien in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, warning against the dangers of unchecked AI development, contrasting with interpretations by tech billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel who draw different lessons from Tolkien's works.

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John Prevost, a retired Midwestern high school principal, finds himself unexpectedly famous and inundated with requests after his younger brother, Robert Francis Prevost, became Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. The article details John's frustrations and the Pope's unique background and preparation for the papacy.

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Pope Leo XIV Cites J.R.R. Tolkien in AI Skeptic Encyclical, Contrasting with Tech Moguls' Interpretations

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