People were doing double-takes over the weekend, not because of a papal decree, but because of a watch. during a recent Holy Mass, newly appointed Pope Leo XIV sur real, formerly Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was seen wearing something that left many online observers equal parts amused and intrigued: an Apple Watch.
The 69-year-old pontiff was officially inaugurated on May 8 and has already made international headlines—not only for his calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, urging a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid, but also for commending a recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
However, this time, it wasn’t geopolitics grabbing attention it was tech.
Photos from a recent Mass show the pope in his traditional vestments, blessing the congregation with his right hand while wearing an Apple Watch on his left wrist.
Naturally, social media had a field day.
“Him wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time,” one user posted on X.
“The Pontiff wearing an Apple Watch is such a surreal image,” one user remarked.
“The Apple Watch is hilarious on him,” another added.
This isn’t the first time the Pope’s wristwear has drawn attention. Since his election, sharp-eyed viewers have spotted glimpses of the smartwatch during several appearances. The Apple-focused site 9to5Mac even posted a close-up to Instagram, igniting speculation in the comments.
“Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is generating buzz in both the tech and watch communities after being seen wearing an Apple Watch during his first official Mass,” the caption read. “Not sure which model this is any guesses?”
The post was quickly shared by Apple news accounts, confirming what many had suspected: yes, the Pope really is an Apple Watch guy.
One Reddit user even dug up an older photo of Leo XIV, taken before his papacy, showing him blessing a parishioner wearing what appears to be the same watch.
“During his first Holy Mass, Pope Leo XIV sported an Apple Watch, which he’d already been seen wearing prior to his election as Cardinal,” the post noted.
It’s a striking image: ancient tradition meets sleek, modern tech. But in a world where even your grandma tracks her steps, maybe a smartwatch-wearing pope isn’t so surprising after all.
