VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV has made an unexpected literary reference in his inaugural encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, quoting Gandalf from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The pontiff's first major doctrinal document, published on May 25, 2026, focuses on the profound ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the imperative to safeguard human dignity in the digital age. This notable inclusion was highlighted by a tweet from Courtney Mares, stating, "Speaking with Pope Leo XIV on the papal plane about JRR Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings after he quoted Gandalf in his first encyclical."
The encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), delves into the complexities of AI, war and peace, and economic rights, urging individuals to prioritize human well-being amidst rapid technological advancement. Pope Leo XIV challenges the notion that the forces of AI are too vast for ordinary people to influence, advocating for a collective commitment to ethical development and use.
In a pivotal passage, the encyclical directly quotes Gandalf:
"It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till."
This quote, from The Return of the King, underscores the encyclical's message of individual responsibility and steadfast action against dehumanization, even when facing overwhelming odds. The Pope follows this by stating, "The civilization of love will not arise from a single or spectacular gesture, but from the sum total of small and steadfast acts of fidelity that serve as a bulwark against dehumanization." While Pope Francis previously referenced Tolkien in homilies, this marks the first time the author's work has been formally integrated into a papal encyclical, the highest form of ordinary magisterial teaching.
Elected on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, chose his papal name in homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his social teachings during the industrial revolution. This choice, according to Vatican News, reflects a concern for workers and fairness in the face of a new industrial revolution driven by artificial intelligence. His background as the first American pontiff and his extensive missionary work in Peru have shaped his global perspective.
The inclusion of Tolkien's words has resonated widely, particularly among fans of The Lord of the Rings and within Catholic intellectual circles. It signals a willingness by the Holy See to engage with contemporary cultural phenomena and draw wisdom from diverse sources to address modern ethical dilemmas, framing the fight for human dignity as a universal quest.
