People did a double take this weekend—not because of a grand papal proclamation or a controversial sermon, but because of something sleek, square, and surprisingly high-tech sitting on the wrist of the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV. The former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, became the center of an unusual media storm when he was seen wearing an Apple Watch during his first official Holy Mass.
At 69 years old, Pope Leo XIV was officially welcomed into his new role on May 8. Since then, he’s already made headlines with his bold calls for peace across several global hotspots. He urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza, demanded the release of hostages, and advocated for ramped-up humanitarian aid in war-torn areas. He also commended the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, proving that he is not shy about taking a stance on sensitive geopolitical issues. But in a twist that no one saw coming, it wasn’t diplomacy that sparked the latest buzz—it was his taste in wearable tech.
Photos from the Mass began circulating online, showing the new pontiff in his traditional white and gold vestments. He was seen offering blessings to the congregation with his right hand, while his left wrist prominently displayed what looked unmistakably like an Apple Watch. In a single image, tradition and technology collided—and the internet had a field day.
Social media lit up with reactions. “Him wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time,” one user wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Another chimed in with, “The Pontiff wearing an Apple Watch is a really surreal image,” capturing the sense of disconnect many felt seeing something so modern on the wrist of someone so symbolic of ancient tradition. “The Apple Watch is so funny,” said a third, adding a bit of humor to the mix.
This wasn’t the first time that Pope Leo XIV’s Apple Watch made an appearance. Ever since his election to the papacy, eagle-eyed observers had spotted glimpses of the smartwatch during public appearances and in official photos. Technology news outlet 9to5Mac even joined the conversation by posting a close-up image of the watch on Instagram. The caption read, “Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is making buzz in the tech and watch communities after being seen wearing an Apple Watch during his first official Mass. It’s not clear which model this is. Any guesses?”
The post was quickly picked up by Apple fan accounts, further fueling curiosity. While no official details have been shared about the specific model or apps he may be using, the image was enough to get tongues wagging across both religious and tech communities. The Apple Watch, normally associated with business professionals and fitness enthusiasts, suddenly became part of a very different narrative—one involving incense, choir hymns, and Vatican ceremonies.
Digging deeper, one Reddit user even unearthed an older photo of the former Cardinal Robert Prevost—long before he became Pope—blessing a parishioner while wearing what appeared to be the exact same Apple Watch. “During his first Holy Mass, Pope Leo XIV sported an Apple Watch, which he had worn previously before being elected a Cardinal,” the user noted. This revelation only added to the conversation, suggesting that the Pope’s use of modern tech isn’t just a publicity stunt—it’s a lifestyle.
What makes this image so captivating isn’t just the novelty of seeing a religious leader wear a gadget. It’s what the moment represents: the fusion of centuries-old religious traditions with the rapidly evolving digital world. Seeing the Pope—an office that dates back over 2,000 years—blessing the faithful while wearing a product introduced in 2015 is undeniably symbolic of how the modern world intersects with ancient customs.
Of course, there are some practical implications too. In an era where people use smartwatches to track everything from heart rates to prayer times, maybe it’s not so strange for the Pope to wear one. Could he be using it to monitor his health? Stay updated on world events? Perhaps even follow Bible readings or Vatican schedules with a tap of the screen? The speculation is endless—and entertaining.
The image also raises a humorous but very human question: what’s Pope Leo XIV’s daily step goal? Is he aiming for 10,000 steps like the rest of us? Does he close his rings each day? Has he ever received a “stand up” alert mid-Mass? These aren’t questions we ever expected to ask about a Pope, but here we are.
More importantly, the moment reflects how even the highest echelons of religious life are adapting to the modern age. In a world where technology permeates every aspect of daily existence—from communication to meditation—it makes sense that spiritual leaders would also find ways to incorporate it into their routines. And if the Pope, of all people, is embracing a smartwatch, it sends a clear message that faith and technology are not necessarily at odds.
Ultimately, the Pope wearing an Apple Watch doesn’t change doctrine, but it does add an unexpected layer to his image. It’s a small, silent signal that even the Vatican is not immune to the influence of Silicon Valley. For many, it was an amusing detail in a solemn ceremony. But for others, it was a moment that perfectly captured the tension—and harmony—between tradition and progress.
So while Pope Leo XIV continues to guide the Catholic Church through some of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time, he’ll also be remembered as the first pontiff to step into the role with a smartwatch strapped to his wrist. Whether he’s using it to keep track of global events, monitor his health, or simply tell time is beside the point. In this small but potent detail, we’re reminded that the world is changing—and the Church is changing with it.
And for now, one question lingers with a mix of curiosity and humor: what exactly is on the Pope’s watch face? A scripture quote? The time in Rome? Or maybe just his heart rate after delivering a powerful homily? Whatever it is, it’s clear that Pope Leo XIV is bringing something new to the Vatican—one tap at a time.
