Researchers at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) and the University of Eastern Finland have developed a new model of artificial intelligence governance inspired by the teachings of Pope Leo XIV as set out in his encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. The new model is intended to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used safely, fairly and with full respect for human rights.
The normatively grounded hybrid model of AI governance was developed by Professor Stanisław Fel of KUL, Dr Jarosław Kozak of the Department of Catholic Social Thought and Sociology of Morality at KUL, and Senior Researcher Marta Choroszewicz of the University of Eastern Finland. It is presented in an article published in the international journal AI and Ethics (Springer Nature).
Existing models of AI governance have centred on who should control the technology: governments, private companies, or multiple actors working together. The authors ask instead which principles should govern the distribution of power and responsibility so that the involvement of multiple institutions does not lead to a situation in which no one is ultimately accountable for how the system operates.
What distinguishes the proposed model is that it combines the participation of governments, technology companies, experts, civil society organisations, citizens and international institutions with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Their involvement is governed by eight core principles: human dignity, the common good, the universal destination of goods, social justice, solidarity, subsidiarity, shared responsibility, and transparency and accountability.
The authors also show how the model should work in practice. Where AI is used to assess eligibility for social benefits, for example, an algorithm may support the assessment of an application but must not replace accountable human judgement. A specific person must remain responsible for the final decision. Applicants should receive an understandable explanation and have the right to challenge the decision. The system should also be subject to independent audits and oversight involving representatives of the groups affected by its decisions.
The study is among the first academic publications worldwide to develop a model of AI governance grounded in Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.
Source: John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin press release
Research article:
Fel, S., Choroszewicz, M. & Kozak, J. A normatively grounded hybrid model of AI governance: insights from the teaching of Leo XIV. AI Ethics 6, 475 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-026-01336-4
