×
Moon phase today explained: What the moon will look like on November 16, 2025

Moon phase today explained: What the moon will look like on November 16, 2025

Wondering where the moon is disappearing to? This is due to the lunar cycle, meaning each night a bit less of it is lit up until it disappears completely at the New Moon.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Nov. 16, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means 12% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

There’s not as much to see tonight, but if you look hard enough, you might spot a few features. If you don’t have any visual aids, you’ll be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau. This is a 25-mile diameter crater. With binoculars you’ll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, and with a telescope you’ll see the Reiner Gamma.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases, like the Waning Crescent, are all part of a 29.5-day lunar cycle, according to NASA. These phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. So, sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes not there at all (aka, the New Moon). There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

The eight main moon phases are:

Mashable Light Speed

New Moon – The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous – The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Source link
#Moon #phase #today #explained #moon #November

unveils the Surface Laptop Ultra, its newest AI-enabled laptop. As this is one of the early laptops equipped with Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, it features improved speed, graphics, and AI performance due to localized processing. The company believes this product has potential and considers it a worthy competitor to other high-performing laptops, such as the MacBook Pro.

The most interesting thing about the Surface Laptop Ultra is its new Nvidia RTX Spark processor. It is also known as the Nvidia N1X processor, which integrates CPU, GPU, and AI into a single chip. Thus, the laptop can handle high loads much more efficiently than other laptops.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Specifications

Surface Laptop Ultra was specifically created for individuals who require high performance on a daily basis. The laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. Also, the computer can perform local AI computing, meaning data analysis can be done on the computer itself. It makes the job much easier for those working on AI technology.

The Surface Laptop Ultra offers up to 128 GB of memory for high-performance workloads. Unified memory enables the central processing unit and the graphics to share the same memory pool whenever necessary. The technology can help boost performance while using multiple apps at once.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Brings Nvidia Spark Power to Windows PCs
	
Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop Ultra, its newest AI-enabled laptop. As this is one of the early laptops equipped with Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, it features improved speed, graphics, and AI performance due to localized processing. The company believes this product has potential and considers it a worthy competitor to other high-performing laptops, such as the MacBook Pro.



The most interesting thing about the Surface Laptop Ultra is its new Nvidia RTX Spark processor. It is also known as the Nvidia N1X processor, which integrates CPU, GPU, and AI into a single chip. Thus, the laptop can handle high loads much more efficiently than other laptops.



Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Specifications



Surface Laptop Ultra was specifically created for individuals who require high performance on a daily basis. The laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. Also, the computer can perform local AI computing, meaning data analysis can be done on the computer itself. It makes the job much easier for those working on AI technology.



The Surface Laptop Ultra offers up to 128 GB of memory for high-performance workloads. Unified memory enables the central processing unit and the graphics to share the same memory pool whenever necessary. The technology can help boost performance while using multiple apps at once.







According to Microsoft, the screen delivers a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits, making the picture bright and clear. Besides, the monitor ensures accurate colors suitable for work. The laptop has HDMI ports, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. Microsoft has also designed a large haptic touchpad for easier navigation. The machine comes in Platinum and Nightfall colors and is said to provide a full day of battery life.



Expected Release And What To Expect Next



Microsoft is planning to introduce the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year. Even though many features have been revealed for the device, there has been no announcement on pricing. With the laptop’s launch approaching, more performance information is expected to be released. The device marks Microsoft’s most aggressive move into AI-enabled hardware yet.

#Microsoft #Surface #Laptop #Ultra #Brings #Nvidia #Spark #Power #Windows #PCsMicrosoft,NVIDIA

According to Microsoft, the screen delivers a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits, making the picture bright and clear. Besides, the monitor ensures accurate colors suitable for work. The laptop has HDMI ports, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. Microsoft has also designed a large haptic touchpad for easier navigation. The machine comes in Platinum and Nightfall colors and is said to provide a full day of battery life.

Expected Release And What To Expect Next

Microsoft is planning to introduce the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year. Even though many features have been revealed for the device, there has been no announcement on pricing. With the laptop’s launch approaching, more performance information is expected to be released. The device marks Microsoft’s most aggressive move into AI-enabled hardware yet.

#Microsoft #Surface #Laptop #Ultra #Brings #Nvidia #Spark #Power #Windows #PCsMicrosoft,NVIDIA">Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Brings Nvidia Spark Power to Windows PCs
	
Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop Ultra, its newest AI-enabled laptop. As this is one of the early laptops equipped with Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, it features improved speed, graphics, and AI performance due to localized processing. The company believes this product has potential and considers it a worthy competitor to other high-performing laptops, such as the MacBook Pro.



The most interesting thing about the Surface Laptop Ultra is its new Nvidia RTX Spark processor. It is also known as the Nvidia N1X processor, which integrates CPU, GPU, and AI into a single chip. Thus, the laptop can handle high loads much more efficiently than other laptops.



Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Specifications



Surface Laptop Ultra was specifically created for individuals who require high performance on a daily basis. The laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. Also, the computer can perform local AI computing, meaning data analysis can be done on the computer itself. It makes the job much easier for those working on AI technology.



The Surface Laptop Ultra offers up to 128 GB of memory for high-performance workloads. Unified memory enables the central processing unit and the graphics to share the same memory pool whenever necessary. The technology can help boost performance while using multiple apps at once.







According to Microsoft, the screen delivers a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits, making the picture bright and clear. Besides, the monitor ensures accurate colors suitable for work. The laptop has HDMI ports, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. Microsoft has also designed a large haptic touchpad for easier navigation. The machine comes in Platinum and Nightfall colors and is said to provide a full day of battery life.



Expected Release And What To Expect Next



Microsoft is planning to introduce the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year. Even though many features have been revealed for the device, there has been no announcement on pricing. With the laptop’s launch approaching, more performance information is expected to be released. The device marks Microsoft’s most aggressive move into AI-enabled hardware yet.

#Microsoft #Surface #Laptop #Ultra #Brings #Nvidia #Spark #Power #Windows #PCsMicrosoft,NVIDIA

the Surface Laptop Ultra, its newest AI-enabled laptop. As this is one of the early laptops equipped with Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, it features improved speed, graphics, and AI performance due to localized processing. The company believes this product has potential and considers it a worthy competitor to other high-performing laptops, such as the MacBook Pro.

The most interesting thing about the Surface Laptop Ultra is its new Nvidia RTX Spark processor. It is also known as the Nvidia N1X processor, which integrates CPU, GPU, and AI into a single chip. Thus, the laptop can handle high loads much more efficiently than other laptops.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Specifications

Surface Laptop Ultra was specifically created for individuals who require high performance on a daily basis. The laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. Also, the computer can perform local AI computing, meaning data analysis can be done on the computer itself. It makes the job much easier for those working on AI technology.

The Surface Laptop Ultra offers up to 128 GB of memory for high-performance workloads. Unified memory enables the central processing unit and the graphics to share the same memory pool whenever necessary. The technology can help boost performance while using multiple apps at once.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Brings Nvidia Spark Power to Windows PCs
	
Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop Ultra, its newest AI-enabled laptop. As this is one of the early laptops equipped with Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, it features improved speed, graphics, and AI performance due to localized processing. The company believes this product has potential and considers it a worthy competitor to other high-performing laptops, such as the MacBook Pro.



The most interesting thing about the Surface Laptop Ultra is its new Nvidia RTX Spark processor. It is also known as the Nvidia N1X processor, which integrates CPU, GPU, and AI into a single chip. Thus, the laptop can handle high loads much more efficiently than other laptops.



Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Specifications



Surface Laptop Ultra was specifically created for individuals who require high performance on a daily basis. The laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. Also, the computer can perform local AI computing, meaning data analysis can be done on the computer itself. It makes the job much easier for those working on AI technology.



The Surface Laptop Ultra offers up to 128 GB of memory for high-performance workloads. Unified memory enables the central processing unit and the graphics to share the same memory pool whenever necessary. The technology can help boost performance while using multiple apps at once.







According to Microsoft, the screen delivers a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits, making the picture bright and clear. Besides, the monitor ensures accurate colors suitable for work. The laptop has HDMI ports, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. Microsoft has also designed a large haptic touchpad for easier navigation. The machine comes in Platinum and Nightfall colors and is said to provide a full day of battery life.



Expected Release And What To Expect Next



Microsoft is planning to introduce the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year. Even though many features have been revealed for the device, there has been no announcement on pricing. With the laptop’s launch approaching, more performance information is expected to be released. The device marks Microsoft’s most aggressive move into AI-enabled hardware yet.

#Microsoft #Surface #Laptop #Ultra #Brings #Nvidia #Spark #Power #Windows #PCsMicrosoft,NVIDIA

According to Microsoft, the screen delivers a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits, making the picture bright and clear. Besides, the monitor ensures accurate colors suitable for work. The laptop has HDMI ports, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. Microsoft has also designed a large haptic touchpad for easier navigation. The machine comes in Platinum and Nightfall colors and is said to provide a full day of battery life.

Expected Release And What To Expect Next

Microsoft is planning to introduce the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year. Even though many features have been revealed for the device, there has been no announcement on pricing. With the laptop’s launch approaching, more performance information is expected to be released. The device marks Microsoft’s most aggressive move into AI-enabled hardware yet.

#Microsoft #Surface #Laptop #Ultra #Brings #Nvidia #Spark #Power #Windows #PCsMicrosoft,NVIDIA">Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Brings Nvidia Spark Power to Windows PCs

Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop Ultra, its newest AI-enabled laptop. As this is one of the early laptops equipped with Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, it features improved speed, graphics, and AI performance due to localized processing. The company believes this product has potential and considers it a worthy competitor to other high-performing laptops, such as the MacBook Pro.

The most interesting thing about the Surface Laptop Ultra is its new Nvidia RTX Spark processor. It is also known as the Nvidia N1X processor, which integrates CPU, GPU, and AI into a single chip. Thus, the laptop can handle high loads much more efficiently than other laptops.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Specifications

Surface Laptop Ultra was specifically created for individuals who require high performance on a daily basis. The laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. Also, the computer can perform local AI computing, meaning data analysis can be done on the computer itself. It makes the job much easier for those working on AI technology.

The Surface Laptop Ultra offers up to 128 GB of memory for high-performance workloads. Unified memory enables the central processing unit and the graphics to share the same memory pool whenever necessary. The technology can help boost performance while using multiple apps at once.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Brings Nvidia Spark Power to Windows PCs
	
Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop Ultra, its newest AI-enabled laptop. As this is one of the early laptops equipped with Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, it features improved speed, graphics, and AI performance due to localized processing. The company believes this product has potential and considers it a worthy competitor to other high-performing laptops, such as the MacBook Pro.



The most interesting thing about the Surface Laptop Ultra is its new Nvidia RTX Spark processor. It is also known as the Nvidia N1X processor, which integrates CPU, GPU, and AI into a single chip. Thus, the laptop can handle high loads much more efficiently than other laptops.



Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra Specifications



Surface Laptop Ultra was specifically created for individuals who require high performance on a daily basis. The laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. Also, the computer can perform local AI computing, meaning data analysis can be done on the computer itself. It makes the job much easier for those working on AI technology.



The Surface Laptop Ultra offers up to 128 GB of memory for high-performance workloads. Unified memory enables the central processing unit and the graphics to share the same memory pool whenever necessary. The technology can help boost performance while using multiple apps at once.







According to Microsoft, the screen delivers a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits, making the picture bright and clear. Besides, the monitor ensures accurate colors suitable for work. The laptop has HDMI ports, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. Microsoft has also designed a large haptic touchpad for easier navigation. The machine comes in Platinum and Nightfall colors and is said to provide a full day of battery life.



Expected Release And What To Expect Next



Microsoft is planning to introduce the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year. Even though many features have been revealed for the device, there has been no announcement on pricing. With the laptop’s launch approaching, more performance information is expected to be released. The device marks Microsoft’s most aggressive move into AI-enabled hardware yet.

#Microsoft #Surface #Laptop #Ultra #Brings #Nvidia #Spark #Power #Windows #PCsMicrosoft,NVIDIA

According to Microsoft, the screen delivers a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits, making the picture bright and clear. Besides, the monitor ensures accurate colors suitable for work. The laptop has HDMI ports, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, an SD card slot, and a headphone jack. Microsoft has also designed a large haptic touchpad for easier navigation. The machine comes in Platinum and Nightfall colors and is said to provide a full day of battery life.

Expected Release And What To Expect Next

Microsoft is planning to introduce the Surface Laptop Ultra later this year. Even though many features have been revealed for the device, there has been no announcement on pricing. With the laptop’s launch approaching, more performance information is expected to be released. The device marks Microsoft’s most aggressive move into AI-enabled hardware yet.

#Microsoft #Surface #Laptop #Ultra #Brings #Nvidia #Spark #Power #Windows #PCsMicrosoft,NVIDIA

Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical on AI could set off a wave of workers seeking religious exemptions from using the tech at work.

One software engineer in North Carolina already secured one last month, Business Insider reports.

Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist, first sought the accommodation in April at the large tech-entertainment company where she works, which she described as progressive. She argued that using AI did not align with her religious beliefs because of environmental and ethical concerns.

Maus was granted the exemption in May, before the pope’s AI remarks.

“I’m writing my code and reviewing my code by hand, which seems crazy to say,” Maus told Business Insider. “Just two years ago, how else would you do it?”

Maus is unlikely to be the only person seeking a similar accommodation as companies increasingly invest in AI and push, sometimes even mandate, employees to use the technology. In the U.S., the share of employees who say they use AI at least a few times a year at work has nearly doubled from 21% to 40% in 2025, according to Gallup.

Now, the pope’s remarks and official theological document could give some workers a stronger argument.

“In the era of artificial intelligence, when human dignity is threatened by new forms of dehumanization, ours is the pressing duty to remain profoundly human,” the pope wrote in his 43,000-word encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas, published last month.

He wrote that AI is dehumanizing society by reducing “the mystery of the person into data and performance” and called on the tech industry to avoid “the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak.”

The pope continued that “a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.”

That call for a slower adoption of AI could be enough for some workers to argue they should not be required to use it on the job.

“When he’s speaking, he’s speaking as the pontiff—as a religious figure—so he’s raising these human dignity issues as religious issues, theological issues,” Jonathan Segal, an employment attorney and Duane Morris partner, told HR Brew this month. “I think it is inevitable that some employees will rely on this to say…I can’t use AI because it conflicts with a religious belief that I have.”

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for workers whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with a work requirement, unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship for the employer.

And it’s not a stretch to think some of these requests could at least get serious consideration. Just a few months ago, Rex Healthcare agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accusing the company of unlawfully denying a remote employee’s request to be exempted from its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy over religious beliefs.

“I think this opens a door—or it’s a little bit of a road map—for employees to raise concerns,” Segal told HR Brew. “What the courts have said—what the EEOC has most definitely said—is that, as the general proposition, we shouldn’t question the legitimacy [of] sincerely held religious beliefs.”

#Popes #Warning #Workers #Seek #Religious #ExemptionsAI,Pope Leo XIV,work">The Pope’s AI Warning Could Help Workers Seek Religious Exemptions From Using AI
                Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical on AI could set off a wave of workers seeking religious exemptions from using the tech at work. One software engineer in North Carolina already secured one last month, Business Insider reports. Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist, first sought the accommodation in April at the large tech-entertainment company where she works, which she described as progressive. She argued that using AI did not align with her religious beliefs because of environmental and ethical concerns. Maus was granted the exemption in May, before the pope’s AI remarks. “I’m writing my code and reviewing my code by hand, which seems crazy to say,” Maus told Business Insider. “Just two years ago, how else would you do it?”

 Maus is unlikely to be the only person seeking a similar accommodation as companies increasingly invest in AI and push, sometimes even mandate, employees to use the technology. In the U.S., the share of employees who say they use AI at least a few times a year at work has nearly doubled from 21% to 40% in 2025, according to Gallup.

 Now, the pope’s remarks and official theological document could give some workers a stronger argument. “In the era of artificial intelligence, when human dignity is threatened by new forms of dehumanization, ours is the pressing duty to remain profoundly human,” the pope wrote in his 43,000-word encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas, published last month. He wrote that AI is dehumanizing society by reducing “the mystery of the person into data and performance” and called on the tech industry to avoid “the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak.”

 The pope continued that “a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.” That call for a slower adoption of AI could be enough for some workers to argue they should not be required to use it on the job. “When he’s speaking, he’s speaking as the pontiff—as a religious figure—so he’s raising these human dignity issues as religious issues, theological issues,” Jonathan Segal, an employment attorney and Duane Morris partner, told HR Brew this month. “I think it is inevitable that some employees will rely on this to say…I can’t use AI because it conflicts with a religious belief that I have.” Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for workers whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with a work requirement, unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship for the employer.

 And it’s not a stretch to think some of these requests could at least get serious consideration. Just a few months ago, Rex Healthcare agreed to pay 0,000 to settle a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accusing the company of unlawfully denying a remote employee’s request to be exempted from its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy over religious beliefs. “I think this opens a door—or it’s a little bit of a road map—for employees to raise concerns,” Segal told HR Brew. “What the courts have said—what the EEOC has most definitely said—is that, as the general proposition, we shouldn’t question the legitimacy [of] sincerely held religious beliefs.”      #Popes #Warning #Workers #Seek #Religious #ExemptionsAI,Pope Leo XIV,work

Business Insider reports.

Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist, first sought the accommodation in April at the large tech-entertainment company where she works, which she described as progressive. She argued that using AI did not align with her religious beliefs because of environmental and ethical concerns.

Maus was granted the exemption in May, before the pope’s AI remarks.

“I’m writing my code and reviewing my code by hand, which seems crazy to say,” Maus told Business Insider. “Just two years ago, how else would you do it?”

Maus is unlikely to be the only person seeking a similar accommodation as companies increasingly invest in AI and push, sometimes even mandate, employees to use the technology. In the U.S., the share of employees who say they use AI at least a few times a year at work has nearly doubled from 21% to 40% in 2025, according to Gallup.

Now, the pope’s remarks and official theological document could give some workers a stronger argument.

“In the era of artificial intelligence, when human dignity is threatened by new forms of dehumanization, ours is the pressing duty to remain profoundly human,” the pope wrote in his 43,000-word encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas, published last month.

He wrote that AI is dehumanizing society by reducing “the mystery of the person into data and performance” and called on the tech industry to avoid “the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak.”

The pope continued that “a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.”

That call for a slower adoption of AI could be enough for some workers to argue they should not be required to use it on the job.

“When he’s speaking, he’s speaking as the pontiff—as a religious figure—so he’s raising these human dignity issues as religious issues, theological issues,” Jonathan Segal, an employment attorney and Duane Morris partner, told HR Brew this month. “I think it is inevitable that some employees will rely on this to say…I can’t use AI because it conflicts with a religious belief that I have.”

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for workers whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with a work requirement, unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship for the employer.

And it’s not a stretch to think some of these requests could at least get serious consideration. Just a few months ago, Rex Healthcare agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accusing the company of unlawfully denying a remote employee’s request to be exempted from its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy over religious beliefs.

“I think this opens a door—or it’s a little bit of a road map—for employees to raise concerns,” Segal told HR Brew. “What the courts have said—what the EEOC has most definitely said—is that, as the general proposition, we shouldn’t question the legitimacy [of] sincerely held religious beliefs.”

#Popes #Warning #Workers #Seek #Religious #ExemptionsAI,Pope Leo XIV,work">The Pope’s AI Warning Could Help Workers Seek Religious Exemptions From Using AIThe Pope’s AI Warning Could Help Workers Seek Religious Exemptions From Using AI
                Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical on AI could set off a wave of workers seeking religious exemptions from using the tech at work. One software engineer in North Carolina already secured one last month, Business Insider reports. Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist, first sought the accommodation in April at the large tech-entertainment company where she works, which she described as progressive. She argued that using AI did not align with her religious beliefs because of environmental and ethical concerns. Maus was granted the exemption in May, before the pope’s AI remarks. “I’m writing my code and reviewing my code by hand, which seems crazy to say,” Maus told Business Insider. “Just two years ago, how else would you do it?”

 Maus is unlikely to be the only person seeking a similar accommodation as companies increasingly invest in AI and push, sometimes even mandate, employees to use the technology. In the U.S., the share of employees who say they use AI at least a few times a year at work has nearly doubled from 21% to 40% in 2025, according to Gallup.

 Now, the pope’s remarks and official theological document could give some workers a stronger argument. “In the era of artificial intelligence, when human dignity is threatened by new forms of dehumanization, ours is the pressing duty to remain profoundly human,” the pope wrote in his 43,000-word encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas, published last month. He wrote that AI is dehumanizing society by reducing “the mystery of the person into data and performance” and called on the tech industry to avoid “the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak.”

 The pope continued that “a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.” That call for a slower adoption of AI could be enough for some workers to argue they should not be required to use it on the job. “When he’s speaking, he’s speaking as the pontiff—as a religious figure—so he’s raising these human dignity issues as religious issues, theological issues,” Jonathan Segal, an employment attorney and Duane Morris partner, told HR Brew this month. “I think it is inevitable that some employees will rely on this to say…I can’t use AI because it conflicts with a religious belief that I have.” Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for workers whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with a work requirement, unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship for the employer.

 And it’s not a stretch to think some of these requests could at least get serious consideration. Just a few months ago, Rex Healthcare agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accusing the company of unlawfully denying a remote employee’s request to be exempted from its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy over religious beliefs. “I think this opens a door—or it’s a little bit of a road map—for employees to raise concerns,” Segal told HR Brew. “What the courts have said—what the EEOC has most definitely said—is that, as the general proposition, we shouldn’t question the legitimacy [of] sincerely held religious beliefs.”      #Popes #Warning #Workers #Seek #Religious #ExemptionsAI,Pope Leo XIV,work

Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical on AI could set off a wave of workers seeking religious exemptions from using the tech at work.

One software engineer in North Carolina already secured one last month, Business Insider reports.

Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist, first sought the accommodation in April at the large tech-entertainment company where she works, which she described as progressive. She argued that using AI did not align with her religious beliefs because of environmental and ethical concerns.

Maus was granted the exemption in May, before the pope’s AI remarks.

“I’m writing my code and reviewing my code by hand, which seems crazy to say,” Maus told Business Insider. “Just two years ago, how else would you do it?”

Maus is unlikely to be the only person seeking a similar accommodation as companies increasingly invest in AI and push, sometimes even mandate, employees to use the technology. In the U.S., the share of employees who say they use AI at least a few times a year at work has nearly doubled from 21% to 40% in 2025, according to Gallup.

Now, the pope’s remarks and official theological document could give some workers a stronger argument.

“In the era of artificial intelligence, when human dignity is threatened by new forms of dehumanization, ours is the pressing duty to remain profoundly human,” the pope wrote in his 43,000-word encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas, published last month.

He wrote that AI is dehumanizing society by reducing “the mystery of the person into data and performance” and called on the tech industry to avoid “the idolatry of profit that sacrifices the weak.”

The pope continued that “a slower pace in adopting AI does not mean opposing progress; instead, it is an exercise of responsible care for the human family.”

That call for a slower adoption of AI could be enough for some workers to argue they should not be required to use it on the job.

“When he’s speaking, he’s speaking as the pontiff—as a religious figure—so he’s raising these human dignity issues as religious issues, theological issues,” Jonathan Segal, an employment attorney and Duane Morris partner, told HR Brew this month. “I think it is inevitable that some employees will rely on this to say…I can’t use AI because it conflicts with a religious belief that I have.”

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for workers whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with a work requirement, unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship for the employer.

And it’s not a stretch to think some of these requests could at least get serious consideration. Just a few months ago, Rex Healthcare agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accusing the company of unlawfully denying a remote employee’s request to be exempted from its mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy over religious beliefs.

“I think this opens a door—or it’s a little bit of a road map—for employees to raise concerns,” Segal told HR Brew. “What the courts have said—what the EEOC has most definitely said—is that, as the general proposition, we shouldn’t question the legitimacy [of] sincerely held religious beliefs.”

#Popes #Warning #Workers #Seek #Religious #ExemptionsAI,Pope Leo XIV,work

Post Comment