Artificial Intelligence (AI) has, once again, made headlines with Pope Leo XIV’s recent manifesto, Florida court hearings, and billion-dollar industry projections for OpenAI and Anthropic. What does this mean for Christians?
Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum (a landmark encyclical by Pope Leo XIII outlining modern Catholic social teachings on the working class’s challenges during the Industrial Revolution), Pope Leo XIV signed “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” May 15, 2026. His appeal speaks to safeguarding humanity and promoting the dignity of work, the common good, truth, and peace.
Meanwhile, on Monday, June 1, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed the first-in-the-nation state-led lawsuit against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The 83-page complaint claims that the company knowingly misled the public about ChatGPT safety, particularly for minors. The suit follows a criminal investigation opened in April tied to the 2025 FSU shooting. The accused gunman allegedly consulted ChatGPT before killing two people and injuring six.
Additionally, Anthropic, best known as the maker of Claude, filed paperwork on Monday for initial public offering (IPO) as early as this fall, potentially before their rival, OpenAI. While its financials remain private for now, Anthropic said it raised a 965-billion-dollar evaluation last month (May 2026), surpassing OpenAI’s 852-billion-dollar evaluation in March. Moreover, SpaceX, which owns XAI, is expected to reach a 1.7 trillion-dollar evaluation when it IPOs later this month.
Historically, Christians have been part of promoting and even inventing revolutionary technological advancements. When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1440, it started a media revolution, transitioning the world from rare, hand-copied texts to mass communication. This fueled the Scientific Revolution, the Renaissance, and, most notably, enabled the Bible to be reprinted and distributed at rates humanity had previously never seen before. Gutenberg viewed his printing press as a divine mission, stating, “God suffers in the multitude of souls who His Word cannot reach.”
As Christians, we have a responsibility to bring truth and light to cultural narratives about technological advancements, being faithful stewards in the call to cultivate more of God’s Kingdom here on earth. The unique nature of AI tends to raise questions about human identity and stir fear about the implications of this seemingly unstoppable force on every facet of society. Thankfully, the Scriptures have plenty to say about identity and work. Its principles uphold the sanctity of human life and lead to a fulfilled purpose.
Romans offers a helpful foundation for complex issues like AI, aiding Christians in engaging with technology and advocating for policies that promote human flourishing. Romans 12:2 urges believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind—that is how we will find the perfect will of God!
If we listen to how the world answers the question of what it means to be human or the value of work in a digital age, we will be left utterly lost and discouraged. Pope Leo XIV states in the second chapter of his manifesto, “the pressure of new ideologies or certain highly powerful interests” can reduce the human person to “what they achieve or produce” (51). He affirmed, “The fundamental dignity of each person … is neither acquired nor earned, nor does it need to be justified” (53). Scripture states that this “fundamental dignity” reflects the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
The world encourages us to gain as much as possible from others or situations with minimal effort. However, Scripture instructs us differently, reminding us that our service is ultimately to the LORD, not to people—even when we are serving others. It says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the LORD and not to me … you serve the LORD Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
The world claims human value is based on what we do, our paycheck, or power. However, Scripture states we are valued as created in God’s image, and we have a purpose. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
While there are many unknowns about AI, Christians need not live in discouragement. We have the gift of hope that Christ reigns supreme over all things, including technological developments. There are no surprises to Him, and nothing can thwart His eternal plan of redemption. He chose you to be alive in this time in history, equipped with everything you need to glorify him.
Madelyn Sestak is a 2026 summer intern working in CWA’s state government affairs.
