Adelaide Di Maggio, Author at Catholic Social Thought

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Five Lessons on Human Dignity from Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas has often been presented primarily as the Church’s latest reflection on artificial intelligence. Yet to read it in that context alone would be to miss its deeper significance. The encyclical is fundamentally a reflection on what it means to be human in an age increasingly shaped by technology, biotechnology, digital systems, and new forms of power. Its central call is for humanity “to remain profoundly human” in a technological age (MH, 15).

Legalising assisted suicide is always a one-way ticket

Kim Leadbeater’s bill, designed to introduce assisted suicide, has passed its second reading. But the debate is not finished. Many MPs voted to support it because they believed that the bill could be improved. There is a danger that, as MPs debate specific amendments, they will forget the principle that crossing the threshold to allow assisted suicide sets us going on a process which is no longer entirely in the control of parliament. The experience of many countries shows this. But, in the spirit of taking on arguments at their strongest points, it is worth looking at how even the most tightly drafted bill will not stand the test of time. No amendment can make this bill safe.