Published on June 3, 2026
Aza Raskin, cofounder of the Center for Humane Technology, has been a vocal critic of the unchecked growth of artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation, he emphasized a troubling shift in the narrative around AI, especially following Pope Leo XIV’s new encyclical on the topic. This communication has sparked renewed discussions on the implications of technology on our humanity.
The encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas, underscores a shared belief between Raskin and the Vatican: technology, including AI, risks encroaching on what it means to be human. Raskin warns that the rapidly evolving world of AI may prioritize market incentives over human values. He believes this trend could lead society into a future where human beings become secondary to the technological race.
This situation has become more urgent as the public’s perception shifts from optimism to skepticism. Despite this mood, the race toward AI development accelerates unabated. Raskin draws parallels to the COVID pandemic, where capital markets thrived while everyday individuals faced harsh realities, suggesting a disconnect between elite technological advancements and everyday life.