Praise God

So thankful for the work of Experiencing Mission and how they live and work in Pikeville all summer, I get the honor of being with them one night a week, so thankful for who they are!!!!

Congrats @coachbh

So thankful for deep scholarship by Dr. Stanley Bronn and local historians and genealogists

Big congratulations to Lukas and Stephanie on their special day and life of commitment in marriage

Please continue to pray for the Pierce family as last night's tribute to Luke was beautiful. Incredible thanks to the @upikebears Bass Fishing team for showing up and giving amazing support

Please join with us and pray for soon to be freshman @upikebears Landon Sammons

Today we ask your prayers for the Pierce family and our campus community as we grieve. Luke was a great young man.

'Technology has the power to heal, connect, educate and protect our common home; but it can also divide, exclude and generate new forms of injustice.' Published by the Holy See on 25 May 2026, *Magnifica Humanitas* is the first encyclical from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. In *Magnifica Humanitas*, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV reflects on what artificial intelligence means for Christians and for the wider world. It raises important questions about truth in public life, the dignity of work, the protection of vulnerable people, the dangers of misinformation and the use of AI in warfare. It reminds the Church that technology must serve humanity, not reduce people to data or concentrate power in the hands of a few. As AI becomes part of everyday life, Anglicans and other Christians are called to bring faith, wisdom and compassion into conversations about technology, justice and the common good. To find out more about how Anglicans are exploring matters of science and faith, visit the web pages for The Anglican Communion Science Commission: bit.ly/49ZkSkL Read the full encyclical, *Magnifica Humanitas*: bit.ly/3RwZrRN Photo credit: CNS photo/Vatican Media #Anglicans @vaticannews

This is the web page for Peter Stafford, the American missionary doctor in Congo who has contracted Ebola while treating the sick there: give.serge.org/s/donate/a1eR… Huge respect for aid workers like him on the front line; I hope he and his family will be okay.

Let us pray for missionary Peter Stafford and all those who serve in the deepest places of need, putting their lives on the line to help and serve the sick and suffering. Pray for all of those impacted by Ebola, especially those without access to health care.

Some preliminary thoughts on "Magnifica humanitas," the Pope's upcoming encyclical on the care of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, to be released at the Vatican on May 25. First, AI has been a concern of the Holy Father since at least the beginning of his pontificate, mentioned several times early on in his papacy. Just a few days ago, he established a new papal commission, bridging several dicasteries, to address this topic; and he also mentioned the topic in his recent address for the World Day of Communications. So the topic is not a surprise. The question will be: what other topics will be included: workers rights? labor unions? capitalism more broadly? Second, as someone who studied mathematics, Pope Leo XIV has perhaps a firmer grasp on this issue than some might imagine of a pope. Third, that the Holy Father will personally present the document on May 25 in the Paul VI Aula (where the Synod convened) is highly unusual. To me (and I have no inside information on this, nor have I read the document) it may indicate the Holy Father's deep personal interest in the topic, and a desire to ensure that the media "get it." Pope Leo is an expert communicator. Fourth, the Vatican has been providing guidance on this topic, in both formal and informal ways, to those who work in this field for some years, and has a surprising number of respected experts (theological and technical) in their orbit. Not long ago, at a meeting of the Dicastery for Communication, we heard from one and I was stunned by the breadth of his knowledge (at least to this neophyte). Fifth, the encyclical was signed (and therefore will be formally dated) on the 135th anniversary of "Rerum Novarum," Pope Leo XIII's groundbreaking encyclical on labor, workers' rights, unions and many other social issues, which set the stage for the modern movement of social justice in the church. Pope Leo XII is seen as the father of the modern tradition of Catholic social teaching. There were many who believed that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost took the name "Leo" at his election as pope (his first decision after saying "yes" to his election) as a nod to this champion of social justice and workers' rights. Finally, like "Laudato Si," which recast the issue of climate change as not simply a scientific and social one, but a spiritual one, "Magnifica humanitas" may do the same for AI, helping the church and the world see this pressing topic from a spiritual vantage point and also, as "Laudato Si" did, in a systematic way. And, as an important aside, an encyclical is one of the very highest levels of church teaching. All in all, by any measure, an exciting new encyclical to read, study and pray over!

Love this...LOVE Heath

A graduate of the University of Pikeville is making an impact on the international stage after being named a finalist in a global business simulation competition. Read more: upike.edu/upike-graduate-nam…

Faith and healthy spirituality can truly help improve mental health especially in younger people. I pray that organizations will see the benefit of incorporating spirituality in all treatment pathways for people. christiantoday.com/news/fait… #ChristianToday

Join this amazing opportunity to see lives changed through your giving

There is truly no greater day than graduation day...so PROUD of these hard working students @upikebears

“Build bridges before you need them” dr robert layman

Congrats class 2026, New doctors of osteopathic medicine and optometry

This book is amazing!!!! If you are interested in theology, trauma, or learning about God in the deeply painful moment s of life, this is for you! wipfandstock.com/97983852101…

Exceptionally proud of Jake (Theology), Emily (Religious Studies and Medical Humanities) for their awards and our students in Critical Theory and Educational Theory classes presenting their work.