Part 3
In 1891, Pope Leo XIII published his Encyclical Rerum Novarum. That document is a philosophical and theological reflection on society, the economy and politics. Rerum Novarum gave impetus to what is now known as the “Social Doctrine of the Church.”
In 2026, Pope Leo XIV published his Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. This document is a continuation of Catholic social teaching with an emphasis on the res novae of our time. The following excerpt is from the introduction to Magnifica Humanitas.
“While Leo XIII spoke in his time of ‘new things’ (rerum novarum), today we cannot limit ourselves simply to repeating his insightful teachings. Instead, we must ask God for the wisdom to interpret the great trends of our time, particularly technological advances. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident how rapidly and profoundly digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are transforming our world.”
In chapter two of Magnifica Humanitas, Leo XIV gives an overview of Catholic social teaching. In chapter three he speaks of the grandeur of humanity in light of the promises of AI. Next in chapter four, he addresses truth and democracy, the value of work and the problem of unemployment, and protecting freedom against dependencies and commercialization. Finally in chapter five, Leo XIV compares and contrasts the culture of power with the civilization of love.
The conclusion to Magnifica Humanitas includes these words from Leo XIV regarding the Incarnation, humanity, and being one body in Christ. “Our world is filled with attempts to seize control of markets and spheres of influence, often shrouded in reassuring rhetoric and seductive ideologies. Yet our hearts yearn for an approach that is wise and benevolent, akin to that which Mary praises in her Magnificat, when she proclaims that God’s mercy extends in every generation to those who fear him. This plan of mercy continues to unfold throughout history today, even amid the rapid and unsettling changes brought by algorithms and global networks, and it becomes a compass in the digital era for living our lives according to the Gospel.”
~Boethius~