Representatives from the Union Sindical Obrera (USO), Marisa Madrid and Jairo Gonzalo, joined a diverse coalition of civil society leaders at Madrid’s Movistar Arena to engage with Pope Leo XIV. The event, titled “Tejer redes” (Weaving Networks), centered on establishing a framework for social dialogue, human dignity, and the ethical integration of technology in the modern workforce.
The meeting at the Movistar Arena brought together a broad spectrum of Spanish society, including figures such as Antonio Banderas, Sara Baras, Carolina Marín, and Teresa Perales, to discuss a common goal of building a more just and human future.
Priorities for a digital era
During the summit, participants identified four primary goals: refining the use of language, strengthening social dialogue, promoting human dignity, and centering the person within economic and technological systems. According to Pope Leo XIV, the current era demands a shift in focus, as he stated that “communication never is neutral.” The Pope emphasized that a new “civilization of love” must be constructed upon the pillars of truth, active listening, and mutual respect.
The focus on the Pope’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, suggests a shift in institutional strategy regarding artificial intelligence. By prioritizing human-centric technology, labor organizations like USO appear to be aligning with a broader ethical movement to prevent the commodification of workers, where individuals risk being reduced to mere data points in an increasingly automated economy.
The influence of Magnifica Humanitas
The discussions were heavily informed by the Pope’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. In the document, the Pope addresses the risks associated with the concentration of technological power and rising global inequality. The consensus among attendees—which included educators, business leaders, and labor unions—was that the digital transition must be managed to ensure it remains a service to humanity rather than a source of further social fragmentation.
What could happen next
Following this meeting, it is likely that labor organizations and civil society groups will increase pressure on policymakers to adopt the ethical standards outlined in the encyclical. A possible next step involves the formal integration of these “human-centric” principles into collective bargaining agreements and labor policy debates. Analysts may expect continued advocacy from groups like USO to ensure that technological advancements do not erode the protections currently afforded to the most vulnerable members of the workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who represented USO at the meeting with the Pope?
Marisa Madrid, the secretary of Communication and Equality, and Jairo Gonzalo, the secretary of International and Cooperation, represented the organization.
What was the main purpose of the “Tejer redes” event?
The event served as a platform for cooperation among various sectors—including artists, athletes, business owners, and unions—to discuss building a more just and human future through social dialogue.
What are the core challenges of the digital era according to the encyclical?
The encyclical Magnifica Humanitas highlights the concentration of technological power, the growth of inequality, and the urgent need to ensure that artificial intelligence serves human beings rather than dominating them.
How might these principles of social dialogue change the way your own workplace approaches new technology?
