"Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together. Each generation inherits the task of shaping its own era, of guiding history to become a place where the dignity of every person is safeguarded, justice is promoted and fraternity is made possible."

Thus begins the first encyclical of the first pope from the United States, written during the country's 250th anniversary and addressing a topic - artificial intelligence - whose industry is centered in the United States. Yet Pope Leo's message is for everyone of good will throughout the world, to remind them of the principles of Catholic social teaching, the grandeur of being human, and the dignity of work as signposts in navigating the challenges and opportunities of an economy shaped by AI.

This handsome paperback version from The Catholic University of America Press, the publishers of the pope's doctoral thesis, will spark reflection and action upon Pope Leo's words.

Pope Leo XIV is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.