Pope Leo XIV Wears Apple Watch During Mass — Internet Reacts
A Modern Twist at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV may be new to his role as head of the Catholic Church, but he’s already making headlines — and not for the usual reasons. Over the weekend, sharp-eyed viewers watching the Holy Mass spotted a surprising detail: the 69-year-old Pontiff wore an Apple Watch beneath his traditional papal robes.
The Image That Sparked a Buzz
A photo shared online showed the Pope seated after receiving the Ring of the Fisherman and the pallium. Social media exploded. Users couldn’t get enough of the contrast between ancient ceremony and cutting-edge tech.
“The Pope wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time,” one X user posted.
“That’s such a surreal image,” added another.
Some called it hilarious. Others were simply fascinated by the blend of old and new.
Pope Leo XIV elevating the Body of Christ in a mass, Photo Credit: Goran Majić/X
From Chicago to the Vatican
Born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV assumed his new title earlier this month. Since then, he’s already called for global peace, urging a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid. He’s also voiced support for the recently negotiated ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
But this week, it wasn’t diplomacy grabbing headlines — it was the smartwatch on his wrist.
Tech Meets Tradition
Apple-focused media quickly picked up the story. A close-up image posted by 9to5Mac showed the Pope raising the Body of Christ — smartwatch in full view.
“Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is making waves in both the tech and faith communities,” the site noted.
The tech world jumped in. Speculation swirled: “Which model is he wearing?” asked one blog, igniting a guessing game among Apple fans.
Pope Leo XIV elevating the Body of Christ in a mass wearing a fitness watch, Photo Credit: cassie/X
Not His First Time Wearing It
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first sighting. Online sleuths unearthed older photos of Cardinal Prevost — now Pope — blessing worshippers while wearing the same watch strap.
A Symbol of a New Era?
Pope Leo XIV is already steering the Church into a new era of moral leadership. But his choice of wristwear suggests he’s also ushering the Vatican into the digital age — one discreet buzz at a time.
