The Bottom Line: Chris Olah lauded the papal encyclical as an important contribution to AI governance. He emphasized the need for critical external perspectives on AI development and described AI systems as organically grown, partially mysterious structures whose impacts extend beyond computer science.
Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah spoke on May 25, 2026 at the Vatican at the presentation of the papal encyclical “Magnifica humanitas”. In it, he praised the role of the Church and civil society as critical voices in shaping AI development.
Chris Olah, co-founder of AI safety company Anthropic, emphasized in his remarks at the presentation of the new encyclical “Magnifica humanitas: On safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial Intelligence” the fundamental importance of independent, critical voices in AI regulation.
The leading researcher acknowledged that AI labs like Anthropic are under pressure – from commercial requirements, geopolitical tensions, and human ambition. This is why external oversight and criticism are essential: “It is enormously important that there are people outside these incentive structures – people who care about the common good and insist on safety.”
Olah stressed that the questions raised by AI exceed the expertise of computer scientists. Unlike engineered systems such as aircraft, AI models have grown organically – modeled on structures that mimic the human brain and fed by immense volumes of human knowledge. They therefore remain partially mysterious even to their developers.
The researcher highlighted the shared conviction of leaders of various faiths: that this technology must be developed for the benefit of all and of future generations. Dialogue between the technology sector, religious institutions, and civil society is the key to success.
Source: www.anthropic.com