In May 2026, Pope Leo XIV released the landmark encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, issued as an urgent, prophetic clarion call to the global Church. The document challenges us to safeguard the God-given dignity of the human person, advance the common good, and promote authentic human flourishing in a world increasingly permeated by Artificial Intelligence.
While papal teaching provides essential clarity, moral direction, and a theological compass, encyclicals alone cannot build systems or write code. The concrete realization of this magnificent vision now rests primarily with the lay faithful. It is up to Catholic entrepreneurs, designers, product leaders, educators, and technologists to exercise prudence, daring, and virtue within their daily vocations to ensure technology serves humanity—rather than instrumentalizing it.
This 60-minute panel discussion brings together pioneering leaders from healthcare AI, Catholic software development, and higher education to unpack the lay faithful’s co-responsibility in responding to Magnifica Humanitas. Grounded in a rich recovery of Thomistic anthropology, our speakers move past theoretical ethics to explore practical, real-world pathways for faithful innovation.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Better Design & Human Dignity: Learn how to design AI systems and digital tools rooted in a magnificent, integrated view of the human person (body-soul unity). Discover how to build technologies that respect human dignity, foster focus, and serve genuine flourishing rather than user manipulation or mental fragmentation.
Forming Minds through Catholic Education: Explore how to equip the next generation of students and professionals using Thomistic anthropology. Discover the prudent integration of AI in pedagogy, shifting users from passive consumers of technology to intentional co-creators with God.
Prudent & Ethical Business Models: Review strategies for building innovative enterprises that prioritize the common good, steward creation responsibly, and generate sustainable value ordered toward beatitudo (true happiness) rather than short-term profit or technocratic control.
AI in Action (Healthcare & Ecclesial Tech): Gain insights into how leading-edge AI applications are already being successfully utilized in national healthcare standards and global Catholic answer engines.
Panel Speakers & Moderator
Michael J. Pencina, PhD – Chief AI Scientist at UnitedHealth Group & Co-founder, Coalition for Health AI (CHAI)
A world-renowned expert on risk algorithms with over 100,000 citations, Dr. Pencina bridges the fields of data science, healthcare, and AI. Through CHAI, he actively drives the adoption of credible, fair, and transparent health AI systems.
Matthew Harvey Sanders – CEO, Longbeard
A former infantry officer and seminarian, Matthew leads the creators of Magisterium AI (the world's leading Catholic answer engine active in 190+ countries) and Vulgate AI. He was among the technology leaders invited to the Vatican for the presentation of Magnifica Humanitas.
Dr. William Hutson – Program Chair, MS in Prudential Design of Emerging Technologies at Catholic International University
A retired engineering executive and USMC combat veteran, Dr. Hutson holds a Ph.D. in Ergonomics/Human Factors Engineering. His work focuses on human-centered design, healthcare AI, and building organizational technical teams that promote both innovation and personal growth.
Dr. Roberto Dandi (Moderator) – Interim Provost & Chair of the Department of Business and Ecclesial Management, Catholic International University
Featuring additional insights framing the mission of the Catholic Digital Commons Foundation (CDCF) and the intersection of product development, venture ecosystems, and authentic human flourishing.
Who Should Watch?
This recording is an indispensable resource for Catholic software developers, tech executives, startup founders, business leaders, university educators, diocesan leaders, and anyone interested in the ethical, human-centered future of artificial intelligence.
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