Magnifica Humanitas ("Humanity in its Grandeur")

Magnifica Humanitas: Humanity in its Grandeur—Encyclical of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Ascension Press, West Chester PA: 2026, $15.99, 133 pp. + 10 pp. Discussion Questions + 8 pp. Glossary, ISBN 979-8-89276-289-2
Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Humanity in its Grandeur), though thought to be primarily about Artificial Intelligence is really—according to Fr. Mike Schmitz in the book’s Afterword—about “human intelligence, freedom, responsibility, [and] dignity. Ultimately, it is about human destiny” (p. 133 and back cover). For those who may be planning to do a study of this encyclical at your place of ministry this Fall, this Ascension Press edition is an excellent one to use because it has not only the text of the encyclical but also 26 discussion questions and a glossary in the back clarifying 24 terms used within the text of the encyclical. I myself took 12 Steno Book pages of handwritten notes on the 245 articles within the encyclical, and I think many of you may do the same as you identify passages which will be helpful to use in your homilies, bulletins, or simply in the discussion groups you yourself may convene at your place of ministry. Ascension Press (one of the two publishers of our forthcoming breviaries) has done an excellent job in pulling this all together! As Arthur C. Brooks, PhD at Vanderbilt University, writes in the book’s Foreword: “Pope Leo XIV has a message of good news in a confusing modern world: The technology surrounding us will not steal our humanity—if we put it in its proper place. Magnifica Humanitas is a guide for doing so” (p. xi). Chapter one tells of the Church’s “particular vocation of listening, dialogue and service” (p. 12). Chapter two addresses the Principles of the Common Good, the Universal Destination of Goods, Subsidiarity, Solidarity and Social Justice. Chapter three (“the heart of the encyclical” p. 139) concerns technology and dominance, A.I. and Babel vs. Jerusalem. Chapter four regards safeguarding us from disinformation and for an economy that values dignity. And Chapter 5 names 5 proposed paths toward daily and public responsibility for us all. So very much to ponder and apply to our lives and our world!
--Rev. Robert J. Schrader
Diocese of Rochester Priestly Life & Ministry Coordinator

A beautiful layout for this historic Encyclical. I especially appreciate the foreword, afterword, and discussion questions. Ascension didn't simply print the Encyclical, they added valuable insights to it as well!