Pope Leo XIV has only just begun his role as the new leader of the Catholic Church, but he’s already ignited a frenzy online—not with a sermon, a speech, or even a scandal, but with something far more unexpected: his wristwear. Over the weekend, sharp-eyed viewers tuning in to his first Holy Mass spotted something striking beneath the cuff of his traditional white papal robes—an Apple Watch. Yes, the newly elected 69-year-old Vicar of Christ appears to be tracking time, and maybe even his daily steps, with one of Silicon Valley’s sleekest gadgets.
The photo, snapped during the solemn moment when Pope Leo XIV received the Ring of the Fisherman and the pallium, quickly spread across social media platforms, setting off a wave of amused and stunned reactions. “The Pope wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time,” one user wrote. Another chimed in, “The Pontiff rocking an Apple Watch? That’s such a surreal image.” For some, the image was hilarious. For others, it was oddly poetic—a seamless fusion of ancient tradition and modern tech.
Born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV officially assumed his papal title earlier this month. In just a few short weeks, he has already made strong calls for peace, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid. He has also welcomed a newly brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan, adding to his growing reputation as a diplomatic bridge-builder.
But this week, despite his serious global messaging, the world was fascinated by the tiny, glowing screen on his wrist. Tech blogs jumped on the story. Apple-focused site 9to5Mac shared a zoomed-in image from the mass, noting that “Pope Leo XIV is making waves in both the tech and faith communities after appearing to wear an Apple Watch at his first official service.” That post ignited speculation online, with users debating which model he might be wearing. Series 9? Ultra? The guessing game continues.
It didn’t take long for internet sleuths to find earlier photos of then-Cardinal Prevost wearing the same watch long before his elevation to the papacy, proving this wasn’t a new accessory but perhaps a small symbol of how he sees his role—blending reverence for the old with readiness for the new.
As Pope Leo XIV steps into his spiritual leadership, it’s clear he’s not just guiding the Church through prayer and policy—he might also be quietly pulling it into the 21st century, one tap, ping, and heart rate check at a time.