In a Surprising Move, Pope and Anthropic Founder to Jointly Hold Press Conference

marsbitPublished on 2026-05-19Last updated on 2026-05-19

Abstract

In a surprising move, Pope Leo XIV will release his first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," on May 26th, focusing on protecting humanity in the AI age. Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah will join him. This event, drawing parallels to a historic 1891 encyclical on labor rights, highlights the Vatican's attempt to fill the AI governance vacuum with moral authority for its 1.4 billion followers. The Vatican also established a new AI committee. The partnership aligns with Anthropic's focus on AI interpretability and safety, and its stance against military AI use. Critics, however, see this as a distraction from core questions about whether certain AI systems should be built at all, and note the lack of enforceable global AI regulation. The core question addressed is: as machines increasingly mimic human abilities, what defines human dignity? The text argues that human finitude—our mortality and capacity to suffer consequences—grounds meaningful choice and moral responsibility in a way AI cannot replicate. The ultimate warning is against outsourcing judgment and accountability to machines.

Pope Leo XIV will issue his first encyclical on May 26, focusing directly on AI, with Anthropic co-founder and Claude creator Chris Olah invited to share the stage. The Vatican simultaneously establishes an AI Commission. A 2,000-year-old institution is attempting to fill the AI governance vacuum with moral authority—covering a population larger than any AI bill's jurisdiction.

An institution with 1.4 billion followers, enduring for two millennia, has placed AI as its top agenda, even pulling in the creator of Claude to jointly release a position paper.

The core question this document aims to answer is precisely the one the entire AI industry cannot avoid—As machines become more and more like humans, what is human dignity and irreplaceability truly built upon?

On May 26, Pope Leo XIV will issue the encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas" ("Magnificent Humanity") at the Vatican, focusing on "protecting the human person in the age of AI."

An encyclical is one of the highest-level teaching documents of the Catholic Church, addressed to 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, and also a symbolic action for a new Pope to highlight his governance priorities.

This Pope, an American with a mathematics background, has consistently been concerned with ethics in the AI age, aiming to protect humanity.

The Pope's First Encyclical, Written for AI

This release breaks two conventions.

Popes usually do not personally attend encyclical releases, delegating the task to a cardinal, but Leo XIV has chosen to be present.

Simultaneously inviting Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah as a lay spokesperson is almost unprecedented in the history of encyclical releases.

Vatican journalist Andrea Vreede's assessment is, "If only a cardinal released it, no one would really listen, but with the Pope present, all lenses will be focused there."

The timing was carefully chosen.

The encyclical was signed on May 15, coincidentally the same day 135 years ago when Pope Leo XIII signed the encyclical "Rerum Novarum."

Leo XIII

"Rerum Novarum" responded to the impact of the Industrial Revolution on labor rights and is regarded as a foundational document of Catholic social teaching.

Leo XIV explicitly referenced this connection in his inaugural address: "The Church offers the treasury of its social teaching to everyone in response to yet another industrial revolution, and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence."

Almost simultaneously, the Vatican approved the establishment of an AI Commission on May 16, integrating seven curial institutions for the first time to coordinate previously scattered AI efforts.

Previously, Leo XIV had already described the militarization of AI as pushing the world into a "spiral of destruction" in a speech at Europe's largest university.

Why Anthropic?

Olah's invitation is a precise alignment of mutual interests.

Olah leads interpretability research at Anthropic, aiming to open AI's black box and understand what neural networks are actually doing internally.

This happens to be the technical version of the Vatican's core concern: Can AI be fully understood and thus trusted?

Anthropic's engagement in religious ethics is systematic.

The company has previously invited clergy to participate in formulating Claude's "Constitution."

Further reading: Anthropic Officially Open Sources Claude's 'Soul'

In late April, representatives from Anthropic and OpenAI jointly participated in the inaugural "Faith-AI Covenant" roundtable in New York, discussing AI ethical frameworks with leaders from Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Orthodox Christian, and other religious traditions. Follow-up meetings are planned in several cities globally.

A more pragmatic stake lies in Anthropic's current friction with the US government regarding the military use of AI, insisting its models cannot be used for autonomous weapon targeting and mass surveillance. This stance aligns highly with the Holy See's opposition to AI weaponization.

For Anthropic, the Vatican's moral endorsement strengthens its "responsible AI" brand positioning.

For the Vatican, having a company actually conducting AI safety research on stage elevates the encyclical beyond empty preaching. Both parties get what they need.

Silicon Valley long held skepticism towards organized religion.

Brian Boyd of the Future of Life Institute interprets this shift: "Silicon Valley's motto was 'move fast and break things.' They broke too many things and too many people."

Aligning with religious authority is an attempt to rebuild overdrawn credibility.

Ethical Outsourcing or PR Prop?

The narrative sounds warm, but critics see a different picture.

The sharpest criticism comes from Dylan Baker, Research Lead at the Distributed AI Research (DAIR) Institute.

He argues that discussions around "ethical AI" obscure a more fundamental question: Should certain AI systems be developed at all?

When the discussion framework becomes "since we're building it, let's build it well," the preliminary question of "whether to build it" is completely bypassed.

Humane Intelligence CEO Rumman Chowdhury, former AI Science Envoy for the Biden administration, is similarly lukewarm: "At best it's a distraction, at worst it's derailing the issues that really matter."

She believes Silicon Valley is trying to find "universal ethical principles" from religion to handle gray areas, but the value differences among global religious traditions are no smaller than regulatory differences between nations.

The structural dilemma is even more evident.

Papal encyclicals rely on moral suasion and have no legal binding force.

The Faith-AI Covenant is a voluntary pledge; participants can withdraw at any time.

The EU AI Act carries fines of up to €35 million or 7% of global revenue, but its extraterritorial reach is limited.

The US federal level still lacks a unified AI regulatory framework.

Currently, no single mechanism globally can effectively constrain the pace of AI development.

The Holy See is filling a vacuum of discourse, not a vacuum of governance capability.

As Machines Become More Like Humans, What Do Humans Rely on to Confirm They Are Human?

All discussions on AI ethics, whether rooted in religious doctrine, legal statutes, or corporate values, ultimately point to the same underlying question: Where does human irreplaceability lie?

People have offered many answers in the past: intelligence, creativity, linguistic ability, emotional resonance, moral judgment.

These answers are being shaken one by one.

AI can write poetry, compose music, pass the bar exam, and make users form real emotional attachments to it.

When these abilities once considered "what makes us human" can all be simulated, what can humans still use to define themselves?

The answer might lie in an attribute AI can never possess: finitude.

Humans die.

Precisely because life has an end, every choice carries weight, every sacrifice has a cost, every promise holds meaning.

Moral judgment is never just a product of logical deduction.

It's built on the visceral experience that "making a mistake causes pain, regret, and the loss of something irreplaceable."

AI can simulate the process of weighing pros and cons, but it lacks the capacity to bear consequences, the urgency brought by mortality, the existential anxiety of "having only one chance in this lifetime."

In the face of the advent of AGI or even ASI, the scenario truly worth vigilance is humans, while having the power of choice, actively outsourcing judgment, decision-making, and even moral responsibility to machines.

Humans are too eager to escape the act of "making a decision and then bearing the consequences," and AI happens to provide a seemingly perfect outlet.

The Pope's encyclical, Anthropic's Constitution, the Faith-AI Covenant roundtables—different in form, but sharing the same underlying message: Technology can evolve infinitely, but the one who ultimately presses the button must be a mortal, vulnerable human being who feels pain and must be responsible for the consequences.

This is likely what "Magnifica Humanitas" truly wants to say.

References:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/18/pope-leo-encyclical-human-dignity-ai-anthropic

This article is from the WeChat public account "Xinzhiyuan," author: Xinzhiyuan

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September 2025: The official launch of Ondo Global Markets includes CRMON alongside other tokenised equity offerings, marking a significant evolution in Ondo Finance's product ecosystem. This timeline highlights the organisation's rapid growth and its capability to adapt its technological and compliance frameworks to accommodate different asset classes effectively while maintaining security and regulatory integrity. Regulatory Framework and Compliance Approach Ondo Finance's regulatory framework showcases a sophisticated compliance strategy, essential for achieving institutional adoption in the tokenised securities market. The company's strong partnerships with U.S.-registered broker-dealers promote adherence to Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and apply robust investor protections. Acquisitions, such as Oasis Pro—a registered broker-dealer—significantly enhance Ondo Finance's compliance capabilities, ensuring thorough alignment with existing regulatory structures. The company employs independent verification procedures that foster transparency, aiming for a solid performance standards reputation. Furthermore, Ondo Finance's commitment extends to international regulatory compliance, ensuring token access remains restricted to eligible investors while adhering to pertinent cross-border securities regulations. Comprehensive attention to tax implications and reporting requirements fortifies the security and compliance landscape of CRMON, ensuring that investor obligations remain manageable. Future Prospects and Market Positioning The forward-looking landscape for CRMON and Ondo Finance illustrates substantial growth opportunities driven by institutional adoption of blockchain technology and escalating demand for efficient alternatives to conventional securities ownership. Market projections indicate the tokenised asset sector could value multiple trillion dollars by 2030. With plans to scale CRMON offerings significantly and integrate it with a dedicated blockchain infrastructure—Ondo Chain—Ondo Finance aims to elevate its institutional-grade tokenised asset operations. Additionally, the development of strategic partnerships enhances distribution capabilities while establishing the company's credibility in the financial market. Furthermore, the integration of tokenised equity with decentralised finance protocols offers new potential for innovative financial products and strategies previously impossible with traditional securities. These factors underscore CRMON's positioning to effectively capture increased market share and deliver innovative solutions for international investment exposure. Conclusion Salesforce Tokenized Stock (CRMON) symbolises a transformative development within financial markets, successfully bridging traditional equity ownership with blockchain technology to create unprecedented accessibility for global investors. Through Ondo Finance's sophisticated tokenisation framework, CRMON provides complete economic exposure to Salesforce equity performance while enhancing operational advantages that exceed traditional ownership. The launch of CRMON reflects the broader evolution of financial markets towards blockchain infrastructures that maintain regulatory compliance while delivering increased efficiency. Ondo Finance's extensive approach to regulatory adherence, institutional-grade security, and technological innovation solidifies CRMON as a model for future tokenised securities, delivering access previously unattainable in conventional brokerage structures. As the tokenised asset sector continues to develop, CRMON is well-positioned to address historical inefficiencies in capital markets while providing investors with innovative solutions for accessing traditional securities. The outlook for CRMON looks exceptionally promising, supported by ambitious expansion plans, technological innovations, and strategic partnerships, thereby representing a pioneering model of modern financial infrastructure evolving through blockchain integration.

2.9k Total ViewsPublished 2025.12.05Updated 2025.12.05

What is SHOPON

Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo): A Comprehensive Analysis of Real-World Asset Tokenization in Web3 This article delves into the Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo), recognised by its ticker symbol $SHOPON, exploring its implications at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology. As a part of Ondo Finance's tokenized securities platform, Shopify’s tokenized stock exemplifies advancements in democratizing access to global capital markets through innovative digital assets. Introduction and Overview of Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo) Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo), or $SHOPON, portrays a pivotal innovation in the realm of tokenized securities, allowing investors to gain economic exposure akin to directly owning shares of Shopify Inc. This token, developed under the umbrella of Ondo Finance, not only provides investors with the ability to hold digital representations of the company’s stock but also integrates features such as automatic reinvestment of dividends. This advancement represents a substantial shift in the landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi), linking conventional equity markets with blockchain solutions designed to enhance accessibility, transparency, and liquidity. By eliminating geographical barriers and enabling 24/7 trading capabilities, $SHOPON is positioned as a bridge connecting traditional financial instruments and the emerging Web3 ecosystem. What is Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo), $SHOPON? The $SHOPON token serves as a digital manifestation of Shopify Inc.'s shares, engineered to provide a direct correlation to the underlying asset's performance. Through the utilization of blockchain technology, the token gives holders a mechanism to participate in the economic benefits associated with equity ownership, including capital appreciation and dividend distribution. The unique aspect of $SHOPON lies in its automatic dividend reinvestment mechanism, which allows returns to compound without necessitating active management by the investor. This feature inherently enhances its attractiveness as an investment vehicle, particularly for individuals seeking passive income growth alongside exposure to high-performing equities. The tokenization process is facilitated by the custody of actual Shopify shares through regulated intermediaries, ensuring that every $SHOPON token is verifiably backed by real equity. This structure empowers investors with the dual advantages of both traditional financial characteristics and the innovative benefits tied to blockchain technology. Who is the Creator of Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo)? The creator of Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo), Nathan Allman, is an experienced figure in the finance sector, formerly associated with Goldman Sachs. His rich background includes significant expertise in digital asset development, bridging the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrencies. Allman’s educational journey, marked by studies at Brown University, provided him with a deep understanding of economics and biology, equipping him with analytical skills that inform his strategic vision. In 2021, he founded Ondo Finance, committing to developing tokenized securities that meet institutional-grade standards while leveraging blockchain's transformative capabilities. Under Allman's leadership, Ondo Finance has focused on creating compliant and innovative financial products that empower a diverse investor base. Who are the Investors of Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo)? The investment landscape surrounding Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo) is notably robust, underpinned by significant institutional support. Primarily, Pantera Capital stands out as a strategic partner through the Ondo Catalyst initiative, a $250 million commitment aimed at accelerating the development of on-chain capital markets. This partnership not only signifies institutional confidence in the potential of tokenized assets but also reinforces Ondo Finance's operational capabilities and market positioning. The funding pathways have included earlier rounds that amassed millions in seed funding and further structural investments, solidifying relationships with both venture capital firms and private investors. Moreover, the financial framework is complemented by strategic partnerships with established financial institutions and technology companies, enhancing Ondo’s infrastructure and operational expertise. How Does Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo), $SHOPON Work? At the core of $SHOPON's operational framework is a sophisticated system integrating traditional finance mechanisms with blockchain technology. The custody of actual Shopify shares ensures that token holders retain authentic economic exposure, safeguarding their investments in line with recognized legal structures. The smart contracts employed in managing $SHOPON handle various functions, including automatic dividend reinvestment and ownership transfer, offering instant settlement and increased liquidity, marking a significant departure from conventional trading systems plagued by multi-day settlement delays. By providing interoperability with other decentralized finance applications, $SHOPON empowers holders with potentially lucrative opportunities for advanced investment strategies, including lending and automated market making. This complex integration presents a unique value proposition, catering to both traditional and crypto-native investors. The innovative structure of $SHOPON also allows for real-time settlements and transactions documented on the blockchain, delivering unparalleled transparency and security—a major advancement over standard equity trading practices. Timeline of Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo) March 2021: Nathan Allman establishes Ondo Finance, initially focusing on decentralized finance yield optimization. August 2021: Completion of a $4 million seed funding round led by Pantera Capital. January 2023: Launch of initial tokenized treasury security products, laying the groundwork for future equity tokenization. July 2025: Announcement of the Ondo Catalyst initiative, a strategic investment program valued at $250 million, aimed at propelling the development of tokenization in capital markets. September 3, 2025: Launch of Ondo Global Markets featuring over 100 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs, including $SHOPON. Technical Implementation and Blockchain Infrastructure Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo) operates on a technical architectural framework that marries blockchain protocols with traditional financial custody arrangements. The ecosystem leverages Ethereum's smart contract capabilities, providing seamless transaction management while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards through established financial custodians. Central to this architecture are security measures and transparent transaction records that affirm the legitimacy of each tokenholder's economic stake. With automated features managed by intricate smart contracts, $SHOPON not only streamlines ownership transfers but also allows for the tactical reinvestment of dividends—a hallmark of modern investment strategies. Moreover, the incorporation of LayerZero technology facilitates cross-chain interoperability, making $SHOPON accessible across multiple blockchain environments while preserving its functional robustness. This forward-thinking technical design positions $SHOPON as an adaptable asset within the larger DeFi milieu. Regulatory Framework and Compliance Architecture $SHOPON's regulatory framework is built upon the meticulous navigation of existing financial regulations that govern securities. The custody arrangements for the underlying Shopify shares are managed by U.S.-regulated broker-dealers, ensuring compliance and protection for investors. By maintaining a separation between the blockchain tokenization process and traditional custody, $SHOPON adheres to legal requirements while offering innovative functionalities that challenge conventional constraints. This dual-layered compliance approach enhances investor confidence and underscores Ondo Finance's commitment to regulatory integrity. Notably, the availability of $SHOPON is tailored to international investors from regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Africa, as regulatory parameters in the U.S. and U.K. present challenges in accessing tokenized securities. Market Access and Global Distribution Strategy The distribution strategy of $SHOPON is keenly designed to optimize global access while conforming to regulatory standards. The platform aims to establish comprehensive coverage for eligible investors across multiple regions, effectively dismantling traditional barriers through the implementation of blockchain technology. Integration with various cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges also promotes user-friendliness and accessibility, establishing a streamlined experience for investors to manage their holdings. Moreover, the 24/7 trading capabilities afforded by the tokenized model allow participants to react promptly to market shifts, fundamentally transforming how global equities are accessed and traded. Technology Integration and Cross-Chain Functionality The remarkable technological underpinnings of $SHOPON propagate its multi-chain functionality, set to expand its reach beyond Ethereum to networks such as Solana and BNB Chain. Such cross-chain capabilities allow users flexibility when navigating between blockchains, concurrently leveraging distinct network attributes to optimize their trading experience. LayerZero serves as the backbone for ensuring decentralized transfers between networks while providing the requisite security and speed, quintessential for maintaining investor trust. This comprehensive interoperability illustrates $SHOPON's commitment to being a versatile, user-centric asset in the evolving investment landscape. Ecosystem Integration and DeFi Compatibility Incorporating $SHOPON into broader DeFi protocols signifies its potential beyond traditional stock ownership. Token holders can leverage their holdings for various sophisticated strategies and applications, enhancing investment returns and liquidity management. By establishing a presence in lending protocols and automated trading systems, $SHOPON effectively democratizes access to advanced financial strategies previously limited to institutional investors. Such integration contributes to a more competitive and dynamic financial landscape, where individual investors can capitalize on tools typically reserved for larger entities. Risk Management and Security Framework Security remains paramount in the operational infrastructure of $SHOPON. The tokenization framework employs multiple layers of protection—beginning with regulated custody of the underlying Shopify shares. The operational protocols establish rigorous auditing, key management, and transaction monitoring standards, thus safeguarding against potential vulnerabilities. Moreover, meticulous adherence to evolving regulatory requirements provides an extra layer of security, fortifying investor protections and institutional compliance. Market Impact and Industry Implications The introduction of Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo) heralds a transformative shift in how financial markets operate, emphasizing the potential of tokenized securities to reshape traditional investment paradigms. The successful integration of $SHOPON encapsulates the efficiencies inherent in blockchain technology and opens avenues for new user demographics previously barred from extensive market participation. The impact extends beyond the immediate benefits to token holders, indicating broader trends that may challenge the status quo of investment services, particularly in addressing geographic restrictions and operational costs typically associated with traditional brokerage platforms. Undeniably, $SHOPON encapsulates the potential for traditional institutions to innovate further, leveraging the increasing demand for seamless blockchain access to complement existing financial infrastructure. Future Development Roadmap and Strategic Vision As Ondo Finance looks forward, the trajectory of $SHOPON rests on ambitious goals aimed at broadening the spectrum of available tokenized assets significantly. Over the next few years, plans are in place to expand to more than 1,000 tokenized securities, further enhancing market participation and investment options for individuals worldwide. Continued integration with traditional financial actors, development of specialized institutional products, and enhancements in automated trading capabilities will ensure that $SHOPON maintains its position at the forefront of financial innovation. Regulatory collaboration will also remain a focal point, establishing a framework that not only supports the compliance requirements but also promotes a healthy environment for tokenized asset proliferation. Conclusion and Market Significance In summary, Shopify Tokenized Stock (Ondo), represented by the ticker $SHOPON, is more than merely a tokenized equity offering; it embodies the innovation possible when traditional finance collides with modern blockchain applications. With a robust technical architecture, a commitment to compliance, and a clear strategic vision, $SHOPON exemplifies the potential for tokenized assets to enhance liquidity, accessibility, and functionality in capital markets. As the global investment landscape evolves, the transformative implications of $SHOPON extend beyond individual investors to revolutionize how financial instruments are perceived, traded, and utilized within both traditional and decentralized frameworks.