Pope Leo will issue the Catholic Church's first major doctrinal statement on artificial intelligence on May 25, according to multiple reports. The papal encyclical will address the rise of AI technology and its implications for society.

The document is being developed with input from a co-founder of AI company Anthropic, marking an unusual collaboration between the Vatican and the technology sector. Encyclicals represent authoritative teachings from the Pope on matters of faith, morals, and contemporary issues affecting the global community.

The announcement comes as artificial intelligence continues to reshape multiple sectors of the economy and society. Major technology companies have been advancing AI capabilities, with some focusing on what industry analysts call "agentic AI" - systems that can perform complex tasks with greater autonomy.

The timing of the Vatican's statement coincides with broader institutional responses to AI's growing influence. Educational institutions are grappling with how to prepare students for an AI-integrated workforce, with some colleges investing significant resources to update their curricula and career preparation programs.

The encyclical represents the Church's effort to provide moral and ethical guidance as AI technology becomes increasingly prevalent in daily life. The Vatican has historically issued statements on major technological and scientific developments that affect human dignity and social welfare.