Christ Church academic invited to Pope’s AI document launch

Dr Tranter joined the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life as a Postdoctoral Fellow in September 2025. His research explores Christian ethics, political theology, and emerging technologies, making him one of a select group of academics invited to attend the launch in Rome.

Following the event, Dr Tranter reflected on the significance of the encyclical in an article for The Times, arguing that it offers an important contribution to contemporary debates about technology, ethics, and the common good. In the article, he highlighted the Pope's concerns about the impact of AI on human work, democracy, and social relationships, alongside his call for a more human-centred approach to technological development.

The encyclical was unveiled in the Vatican’s Synod Hall before an international audience of church leaders, academics, tech professionals, and policy specialists.

Discussing his time at the Vatican, Dr Tranter said: ‘It was a great privilege to be in the room for the launch of the Pope’s first encyclical – in fact, the first time a Pope has presented it in person. Magnifica humanitas touches on themes of both pressing concern and ultimate significance, and has caught the attention of commentators well beyond the Church. The buzz around the release of this document represents an excellent opportunity for theological research to contribute to public discussion and debate.’

The launch connects closely with the McDonald Centre’s new workstream on Political Theology, Emerging Technologies, and Common Life. The Centre’s annual conference, to be held at Christ Church from 10–12 June 2027, will focus on ‘AI, Christian Humanism, and Political Economy’.

Readers can find out more about the McDonald Centre’s work on theology, ethics, and emerging technologies on the Centre’s website.