Pope Leo XIV’s Apple Watch sparks buzz – Ancient tradition meets modern tech
Social media reacts with surprise and humor after the new Pope is spotted wearing a smartwatch during Holy Mass
During his first official Mass, newly appointed Pope Leo XIV surprised onlookers by wearing an Apple Watch with his traditional papal robes—sparking viral reactions across the internet.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, has been in the spotlight since being named the new leader of the Catholic Church on May 8. While his recent calls for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and between India and Pakistan have earned him praise, this week it was a piece of technology on his wrist that stole the show.
Photos from a recent Holy Mass showed the 69-year-old Pope wearing his religious vestments—and an Apple Watch. The image of a centuries-old tradition paired with one of today’s most popular gadgets quickly spread online.
“It’s so surreal,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “The Pontiff wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time.”
The internet has thoughts
Social media users had plenty to say. Some found the look amusing, others were intrigued. Tech fans and religious followers alike zoomed in to try and identify which Apple Watch model the Pope was wearing.
Popular tech site 9to5Mac shared a close-up image on Instagram, asking followers to guess the model. One user pointed out that the Pope had been seen with the same watch even before he was elected.
“It’s not just a new accessory,” a Reddit user wrote. “He’s been wearing this Apple Watch for years, even before becoming Pope.”
Tradition meets technology
The image of the Pope wearing a smartwatch during such a sacred moment led many to reflect on the blending of the old and the new. In a world where millions track their heart rate, steps, and messages on a watch, maybe it’s not that strange for the Pope to stay connected too.
“The Apple Watch is so funny,” one person posted. “But I kind of love that he’s just like the rest of us.”
Others saw it as a symbol of a more modern Church leader—someone who embraces change while still upholding tradition.
Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected accessory has become more than just a viral moment—it’s a snapshot of how religious leaders, like everyone else, are living in a digital age. The Catholic Church is often seen as rooted in ancient traditions, but small moments like this can signal openness to the world’s ongoing changes.
As one X user joked, “Now I just want to know—what’s the Pope’s daily step goal?”
In an age where the sacred and the digital often seem worlds apart, maybe this viral photo is showing us they’re not so different after all.
