Pope Leo and the Technocratic Paradigm

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Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Pope Leo and the Technocratic Paradigm

August 20, 2026

By Tracy Abler, Justice Coordinator

(Illustration by The Atlantic. Sources: Getty; Stefano Costantino / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty. )

Earlier this month, Racine Dominican’s justice promoter, Tim Hall, offered a very interesting webinar called, “Pope Leo and the Technocratic Paradigm.” As modern war-making makes for an unholy alliance with the powers of digital technology, how does Pope Leo XIV think the global community can redirect the trajectory of our tech revolution away from dystopia and toward the common good?

If you have a particular keen interest in the topic and basic “Lord of the Rings” knowledge, you will especially enjoy this program.

Sister Julie Ann Krahl, CSA watched the August 6th program as shared, “the intersection of today’s politics and players, current and projected use of AI, and a humanity/creation evolution is absolutely scary.” She finds this a “truly critical and growing issue” that we all need to be paying attention to and asks the question, “How do we encourage the appropriate development of the AI we want and need.”

Watch Tim’s recording here and ponder these thoughts yourself! In his presentation, Tim also looked at how “Magnifica Humanitas” contrasts two very different forms of power: one drawing its potency from the Gospel, the Incarnation, relationship in community, and the Resurrection with the other form derived from profit, efficiency, violence, polarization and exclusion. You may be interested in watching his past webinar on that as well.

Sister Julie Ann Krahl also found the TedTalk, When AI Knows Everything, What Should Humans Learn?, encouraging, especially as she reflected on the expanding role of Catholic Social Teachings. Maybe you will too!

Tags: learning

Posted in Equity & Human Dignity