New Research Offers Insight into Catholic Views on AI

As Catholics around the world reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, new survey data suggests many Catholics already share the Holy Father’s conviction that artificial intelligence should serve humanity rather than replace it.Research conducted in March 2026 by ACS Technologies, a 45-year leader in church management software, market expertise, and data analysis, surveyed 1,500 Americans on topics such as honesty, friendship, faith, and artificial intelligence. Catholics represented 21 percent of respondents across multiple generations. Though the survey was completed before the publication of Magnifica Humanitas, its findings closely mirror several themes emphasized in the landmark document.The survey was part of the groundbreaking research series American Beliefs Study: Religious Preferences and Practices, an ongoing research initiative examining Americans’ religious affiliations, beliefs, values, and practices.Terry Poplava serves as General Manager of ACST Catholic. As a cradle Catholic, his faith was lukewarm until he was challenged by the intense challenge and commitment he heard in a message about stewardship. “What do I own, and what owns me?” which led him to executive roles at Our Sunday Visitor and Catholic Leadership Institute before his current focus on serving the Catholic Church at ACS Technologies. Terry has extensive experience working with churches across the U.S., supporting their planning, stewardship, and engagement efforts. Get full access to Epiphany at epiphanyradio.substack.com/subscribe