Pope Leo XIV’s Apple Watch Sparks Internet Buzz: Tradition Meets Tech
It wasn’t a papal statement that caught attention this weekend — it was Pope Leo XIV’s Apple Watch.
During a recent Mass, the newly elected pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was photographed mid-blessing in full papal regalia. But what truly caught the internet’s eye was the sleek band of an Apple Watch peeking out from under his robe.
“Him wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time,” one user posted on X, summing up the surreal fusion of ancient ritual and modern tech.
Pope Leo XIV, 69, assumed his role on May 8, 2025, and has already made headlines for his diplomatic calls for global peace. But this time, the buzz was all about his wristwear.
Social media erupted. Memes, tweets, and close-ups of the watch flooded Reddit and Instagram. Tech site 9to5Mac even posted a zoomed-in shot asking users to guess the model.
This isn’t the first time a pope has blended tradition with modernity, but the Apple Watch felt especially symbolic. It raised questions: Is he checking his homily? Tracking his steps? One user joked, “Now the only question left is: what’s his daily step goal?”
Some saw the watch as a symbol of accessibility and relevance. In contrast to past extravagance, Pope Leo XIV’s choice suggests humility, connection, and a willingness to embrace the digital age.