A lunchtime panel on the Pope's encyclical on AI — human dignity, work and the common good, for the people building the future.

What are we hoping to build with AI? What is our end goal for the people using it? And what will that entail for human dignity, labour, democracy, and the common good?

In May 2026, Pope Leo XIV published Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity") — the first papal encyclical on artificial intelligence, and the Vatican's most significant statement yet on the technology reshaping our working lives. Presented by the Pope in person alongside Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah, it has been debated across industries and sectors ever since.

This event is for people of all faiths and none. An encyclical is the Catholic Church's most formal kind of teaching document — but this was pitched outward, and much of the loudest engagement has come from beyond the Church. NPR reported that the Pope warned AI "risks widening inequality, weakening democracy and undermining what it means to be human." The Guardian called it "a humanity-first message the secular world can get behind." The Brookings Institution said the Church had "planted a flag," setting a moral baseline for AI centred on human dignity. These are the questions of everyone building the future.

Join academics Dr Amy Daughton (University of Birmingham) and Dr Samuel Tranter (University of Oxford), along with Shirley Stackhouse (Stackhouse Leadership) and Felicia Omoediale Samuel (Reforward Ai/Sky), for a panel discussion at Holy Trinity Boar Lane exploring what the pope has to say about the risks and opportunities of technology to the people building the future.

Whether you write code, lead a product team, work in data or design, or are simply curious about where AI is taking us, this is a chance to step back from the sprint cycle and ask the bigger questions. As TechCrunch put it, "AI is the hook" — the deeper concerns are older ones, about work, power and who benefits. Come and think them through over your lunch hour, in one of the most beautiful spaces in Leeds.

The panel

Dr Amy Daughton — University of Birmingham

Dr Samuel Tranter — University of Oxford

Shirley Stackhouse — Stackhouse Leadership

Felicia Omoediale Samuel — Reforward Ai/Sky

Rev Josh Lees (chair) — Holy Trinity Boar Lane

Running order

12:15pm — Doors open

12:30pm — Welcome and panel discussion

1:10pm — Audience Q&A

1:30pm — Close

Good to know

Bring your lunch. This is a lunch-hour event — you're very welcome to eat during the discussion.

Drinks provided. A selection of complimentary hot and cold drinks will be provided upon arrival.

Getting there. Holy Trinity is on Boar Lane, a short walk from Leeds train station, directly opposite the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.

Accessibility. Step-free access details and accessible toilet.

Questions? Contact hello@boarlane.church for more information.

Description supplied by the event organiser.