MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS SYMPOSIUM
A Three-Part Virtual Symposium | Recorded September 2026
In September, the Glastonbury Abbey Institute presented a three-part virtual symposium exploring Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical and an important new Church document addressing human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Over three evenings, our presenters explored the encyclical’s five chapters and considered how Catholic social teaching can help inform today’s conversations about artificial intelligence, technology, human dignity and our shared responsibility for one another.
We invite you to watch the recordings below.
September 8 | Humanity & Catholic Social Teaching
An introduction and overview of Magnifica Humanitas, including Chapters One and Two, with Fr. Sam Sawyer, SJ, Editor of America Magazine.
Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/YXRrlLi5ssM
September 15 | Technology & Artificial Intelligence
A discussion of Chapters Three and Four with Fr. Thomas Reese, SJ, analyst for Religion News Service and commentator for National Catholic Reporter.
Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/qv814rwZjEw
September 22 | Technology, War & Violence
A discussion of Chapter Five and concluding reflections with Michael Sean Winters, columnist for National Catholic Reporter and The Tablet.
Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/0PjU13Nss3g
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