Scott Hahn is on the pod! In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr Hahn joins Pierpaolo to discuss the surprising rise in conversions to the Catholic Church, the growing interest in Christianity and the Bible among young people and the signs of a genuine Catholic revival in the UK, Ireland and the USA.In this episode, they talk about conversion, The Bible, Pope Leo's AI encyclical and the family as the first society. Scott Hahn books from CTS: https://bit.ly/4vjcnd7

In this final episode of our roundtable discussion on Magnifica Humanitas, the team explore how we can each live out Pope Leo's calls to resist the Culture of Power and build a Civilisation of Love.

You can get Pope Leo's new encyclical on AI from CTS now: https://bit.ly/4dQbjFMSupport our online ministry: www.ctsbooks.org/donateFind our books: www.ctsbooks.orgIn this concluding episode of our deep-dive discussion on Magnifica Humanitas, the team explore Chapter 5 and the conclusion of the encylical.

In this conversation, the team discuss Pope Leo XIV's critique of the 'culture of power,' the dangers of technocracy, the ethics of AI in modern warfare,and the importance of rebuilding a 'Civilization of Love.' They examine his practical guidance on the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, the formation of conscience, responsible technology use and the urgent need to educate children and young people in an increasingly digital world.

In this second instalment of the 'Magnifica Humanitas' Roundtable, we continue our exploration of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, focusing on Chapters 3 and 4: Technology and Dominance and The Safeguarding of Humanity.

You can get Pope Leo's new encyclical on AI from CTS now

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape society, Pope Leo XIV offers one of the most significant Catholic intervention yet on the promises and dangers of AI. Rather than asking whether the Church is simply for or against technology, 'Magnifica Humanitas' asks a deeper question: does technology serve the human person or will it come to dominate humanity?

In this discussion, the team examine the Pope's striking call to 'disarm AI' and consider what this means in practice. They explore the concentration of power in the hands of a small number of technology companies and tech bros, the challenges of AI governance and accountability, the rise of autonomous systems and the growing influence of algorithms on human decision-making. They also discuss the dangers of techno-feudalism, the role of international co-operation in regulating AI and the ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence in both civilian and military contexts.

The conversation also turns to some of the deepest themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Drawing on the principles of the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity, the panel reflect on Pope Leo XIV's insistence that efficiency and technological power are not ends in themselves. Human dignity, authentic relationships, meaningful work and the flourishing of communities must remain at the centre of any technological future.

They also discuss Pope Leo's critique of transhumanism and the temptation to reduce the human person to intelligence, productivity, or data processing. The encyclical challenges us all to remember that what makes us human is not simply our ability to calculate or optimise, but our capacity for friendship, love, sacrifice, responsibility and communion with others. These are realities that cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence, no matter how sophisticated the technology becomes.

What does Pope Leo really say about Artificial Intelligence in 'Magnifica Humanitas'? Why did the Pope choose AI as the subject of his first encyclical? And Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to human dignity?

Welcome to this CTS Roundtable discussion on 'Magnifica Humanitas', Pope Leo’s groundbreaking encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, technology and the future of humanity.

You can get Pope Leo's new encyclical on AI from CTS now: https://bit.ly/4dQbjFM

Support our online ministry: www.ctsbooks.org/donate

Find our books: www.ctsbooks.org

In this Roundtable, Pierpaolo is joined by Sr Carino Hodder OP, Prof Jacob Phillips, and Fr Peter Wygnanski, to explore Pope Leo’s response to the AI revolution and to examine what Catholic Social Teaching can contribute to one of the defining debates of the twenty-first century.

As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform society, economics, education, communication, warfare and human relationships, the discussion asks whether AI will serve authentic human flourishing or contribute to a new technocratic culture that undermines human dignity.

Drawing on theology, philosophy, Scripture, and the Church’s social doctrine, the conversation unpacks Pope Leo’s central themes, including the dignity of the human person, freedom, responsibility, the common good, technological progress, transhumanism, AI ethics, automation, and the moral limits of emerging technologies.

The panel reflects on Pope Leo’s striking use of the biblical image of the Tower of Babel, his warning against treating technology as humanity’s salvation, and his call to build a society rooted in truth, solidarity, justice and peace.

They also explore the influence of St Augustine on Pope Leo’s vision, the dangers of technocratic power, the growing role of algorithms in public life, the ethics of Artificial General Intelligence and the challenge of ensuring that technological innovation remains at the service of the human person.

About Magnifica Humanitas

Magnifica Humanitas is Pope Leo’s landmark encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, technology, and the dignity of the human person. Building on the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, Pope Leo addresses one of the most urgent questions of our age: how should humanity respond to the rapid rise of AI?Rather than offering a simple endorsement or rejection of Artificial Intelligence, Pope Leo examines AI through the lens of Christian anthropology, human dignity, freedom, responsibility, and the common good. Drawing on Scripture, Catholic theology, and the social doctrine of the Church, Magnifica Humanitas challenges the modern assumption that technological progress alone can solve humanity’s deepest problems.

A central theme of the encyclical is the contrast between the biblical image of the Tower of Babel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Pope Leo argues that society faces a choice: to use technology as a tool for domination, control, and the concentration of power, or to place technological innovation at the service of authentic human flourishing, solidarity, justice, and peace.

The encyclical explores the ethical implications of AI in areas such as education, employment, economics, warfare, governance, communication, and human relationships. It warns against technocratic ideologies, transhumanism, and attempts to redefine humanity through technology, while affirming the unique value of every human person created in the image of God.

At its heart, Magnifica Humanitas is a call to recover a truly human vision of progress. In an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence, Pope Leo reminds the world that humanity cannot be reduced to data, efficiency, or computation. The future must be guided not only by technological innovation but by wisdom, moral responsibility, and a renewed understanding of what it means to be human.

Is the Catholic Church becoming resurgent in the UK? Why are more young people exploring the faith? What role do beauty, truth, holiness, liturgy, music and unity play in renewing Catholic life today? Is Britain witnessing a revival in the Catholic Church? In this episode, John Withers, Director of the WeBelieve Festival, talks about the growing renewal of Catholic life in the UK and the future of Christianity in Britain.Discover our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our channel: https://bit.ly/4cZfJeqFind out more about WeBelieve Festival https://www.webelievefestival.com/WeBelieve Festival on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webelievefest/From packed Catholic festivals and renewed interest in the saints to Eucharistic devotion, pilgrimage, beauty, liturgy, and evangelisation, this conversation explores why so many people — especially young adults — are rediscovering the Catholic faith. They discuss the idea of a “Third Spring” of Catholicism in England, inspired by John Henry Newman, and ask whether the Church in the UK is entering a new era of spiritual renewal and missionary confidence.John Withers shares the vision behind the WeBelieve Festival, a major Catholic event bringing together Catholics from across England and Wales for worship, prayer, catechesis, music, culture, and community. The discussion also explores the history of Catholic emancipation, the role of the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom, the importance of Catholic unity, and how festivals and shared experiences can strengthen faith and inspire evangelisation.This episode covers:- The revival of the Catholic Church in the UK- Catholic renewal and evangelisation- Why young people are returning to Christianity- Catholic festivals and pilgrimage culture- The role of beauty, truth, and goodness in evangelisation- St John Henry Newman and the 'Third Spring'- Catholic identity in Britain today- Eucharistic adoration and spiritual renewal- Catholic culture, music, and sacred art- The future of Christianity in England and Wales

What does Catholic Social Teaching have to say about AI, capitalism, work, family and the future of society? In this episode, Jenny Sinclair, founder of Together for the Common Good, talks Pope Leo XIV, Rerum Novarum, the new industrial revolution and why Catholic Social Teaching may be more relevant now than ever before.As artificial intelligence transforms work, relationships, politics, and even our understanding of what it means to be human, the Church’s social teaching offers a powerful framework rooted in human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity, solidarity and the vocation of work.
_________________________________________________________________________Subscribe to ‪‪Into The Truth for more British Catholic formation contentFind our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our online ministry: www.ctsbooks.org/donateFind out more about Together For The Common Good

https://togetherforthecommongood.co.uk/__________________________________________________________________________
Topics include- Pope Leo XIV and the legacy of Leo XIII- Rerum Novarum explained- AI and the future of work- Catholic teaching on capitalism and socialism- Human dignity in the age of technology- Family breakdown and individualism- Social media, loneliness, and the “culture of indifference”- Catholic responses to political polarization- How to build a “civilization of love”

What did JRR Tolkien believe? And how did his Catholic faith inform his great work, 'The Lord of the Rings'?

These questions are explored at length in this live podcast and book launch for Fr Michael Halsall's new book, ‘A Light from the Shadows: The Spiritual Heart of JRR Tolkien'. The book is available now from CTS.

You can get Fr Michael's book here: https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/a-light-from-the-shadows/

About Fr MichaelFr Michael Halsall is a priest of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, and presently serves as Episcopal Vicar for Vocations & Formation, covering England, Scotland, and Wales. His recent book - 'Creation and Beauty in Tolkien's Catholic Vision' - explores the philosophical themes in Tolkien's crafted creation narratives, alongside those of the Christian tradition. His newest book is, ‘A Light from the Shadows: The Spiritual Heart of JRR Tolkien'.About the bookThis is not a biography of JRR Tolkien. But, ‘no author writes in a vacuum’ (as the author of this book, Fr Michael Halsall reminds us), so there are abundant biographical details in this considered commentary on the demonstrably Catholic framework of Tolkien’s writings: his experiences as a scholar, an army officer, and a husband and father. All these facets of a life are keys to unlocking Tolkien’s perspective on his own work.

Get the book here: https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/praying-the-nicene-creed/

This year, we celebrate 1700 years of the Nicene Creed! Why is the Creed important? What did it do for Christianity and the world? And how can we pray it today?

James Matthew Wilson, author of, 'Praying the Nicene Creed, ' joins the podcast to explore how Dante led him to faith, how the Creed answers our search for meaning, how love is the heart of reality, why God became man, how to understand salvation in the light of the Creed, and much more.

You can watch the full uncut podcast on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CTSStudios

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Chapters00:00 Intro01:43 Dante & Catholic Poetry3:47 What is the Nicene Creed?7:15 Finding meaning in the Creed10:45 Philosophy & Wisdom14:08 Love as the heart of Reality18:08 Why one God, not many gods?22:04 Why did God become man?26:37 Understanding salvation and sin32:14 The Second Coming of Christ38:18 How to pray the Creed

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James Matthew WilsonJames Matthew Wilson is the Cullen Foundation Chair in English Literature and the founding director of the MFA program in Creative Writing at the University of Saint Thomas. The author of sixteen books, his most recent collection of poems is Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds (Word on Fire, 2024). The Strangeness of the Good (2020), won the poetry book of the year award from the Catholic Media Awards. In addition to his role at the University of Saint Thomas, he serves as poet-in-residence of the Benedict XVI Institute, scholar-in-residence of Aquinas College, editor of Colosseum Books, and poetry editor of Modern Age magazine. More about his work: https://www.jamesmatthewwilson.com/