Markkula Center sets four webinars on AI and the Vatican’s new encyclical

Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics will host a four-part webinar series in July and August on AI themes raised by Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. The sessions will examine education, labor, consciousness and disarming AI as ethicists and faculty discuss the Vatican’s message and its real-world implications.

Why it matters: - The Markkula Center is using the Vatican’s new encyclical to frame a public discussion about artificial intelligence, ethics and human impact. - The series puts education, work, consciousness and AI safety in one conversation, signaling that the technology debate is moving beyond technical performance into moral and social questions. - The webinars are open to anyone who registers, extending the discussion beyond Santa Clara University.

What happened: - Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics announced a four-part webinar series titled “AI and Magnifica Humanitas.” - The series will examine key AI-related themes from the encyclical recently issued by Pope Leo XIV. - The first session, “The Encyclical, AI, and Education,” is set for Thursday, July 16, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. PDT. - The second session, “The Encyclical, AI, and Labor,” is set for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. PDT. - The third session, “The Encyclical, AI, and Consciousness,” is set for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. PDT. - The fourth session, “The Encyclical and Disarming AI,” is set for Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. PDT. - Registration is available for any or all of the webinars through the event page.

The details: - The education panel will feature Irina Raicu, David DeCosse and Ann Skeet. - The labor panel will feature Irina Raicu, Davina Hurt and Matthew Carnes, S.J. - The consciousness panel will feature Brian Green, Bill O’Neill, S.J., Ph.D., and Erick Ramirez. - The final session on disarming AI will feature David DeCosse, Bill O’Neill, S.J., Ph.D., and Ann Skeet. - The Vatican released “Magnifica Humanitas” in May. - The encyclical addresses the promises and challenges that have accompanied artificial intelligence’s integration into many people’s lives. - At a recent Santa Clara University event, scholars with backgrounds in ethics, engineering, theology and religious studies discussed issues raised by the encyclical. - Ann Skeet and Brian Green also participated in that event and will join the upcoming webinar series. - The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics was founded in 1986 with a seed grant and initial endowment from Linda and A.C. “Mike” Markkula Jr. - The center serves the Santa Clara University community and professionals in business, health care, government and the social sector. - The center also works on issues including fake news and privacy protection. - The center says it shares ethical decision-making resources through its website and international collaborations. - More information is available on the center’s website.

Between the lines: - The webinar lineup suggests Santa Clara University is positioning AI ethics as a multidisciplinary topic, not just a technology issue. - The inclusion of theology, philosophy, government ethics and labor voices points to a broader institutional effort to connect AI questions with human dignity and public policy. - The series also shows how the Vatican’s AI message is becoming a reference point for academic and civic debate. - A summary reel from the recent event is available on LinkedIn.

What’s next: - The webinar series begins July 16 and runs through Aug. 5. - Each session will build on the encyclical’s themes as Santa Clara University faculty and staff discuss AI’s role in education, labor, consciousness and security. - The center’s social channels and website are available for updates and related materials.

The bottom line: - Santa Clara University is turning a new papal encyclical into a practical public forum on how AI should be used, governed and understood.