In a moment that took the internet by surprise, Pope Leo XIV was spotted wearing something unconventional during a recent Holy Mass — an Apple Watch. The newly appointed pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, was seen blessing the congregation while sporting the tech accessory on his left wrist, much to the amusement of social media users.
A Modern Twist on Tradition
Pope Leo XIV, who was officially welcomed into his papal role on May 8, has already been in the spotlight for his calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as for his praise of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. But this time, the attention wasn’t on his statements about geopolitics—it was all about the watch.
Photos showing the Pope in his traditional vestments, with the sleek, modern Apple Watch contrasting against the ancient rituals, quickly went viral. Social media users couldn’t help but comment on the unusual combination of sacred tradition and contemporary technology.
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Social Media Buzz
“Him wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time,” one Twitter user posted, highlighting the surreal nature of the moment.
“The Pontiff wearing an Apple Watch is a really surreal image,” another person added, sharing their amusement over the Pope’s tech-savvy style.
Several others also joined in, with one commenting, “The Apple Watch is so funny,” while others speculated about the model of the smartwatch the Pope was wearing.
Pope Leo XIV’s Apple Watch Has Gone Viral Before
This wasn’t the first time Pope Leo XIV’s wristwear caught the public’s eye. After his election, several social media users spotted glimpses of the Apple Watch during his appearances, and tech-focused sites like 9to5Mac even posted close-up shots on Instagram. The comments section quickly filled with speculation about the Pope’s gadget of choice, with many confirming that the Pope indeed seemed to be an Apple Watch fan.
A Reddit user even uncovered an older photo of Pope Leo XIV, pre-papacy, where he could be seen wearing the same watch while blessing a parishioner. It turns out that the Pope had been wearing the Apple Watch long before he was elected a Cardinal, making it clear that his love for the smartwatch predates his rise to the papacy.
A Surreal Combination: Ancient Ritual Meets Modern Tech
The sight of the Pope wearing a high-tech gadget while performing ancient religious rituals has sparked conversation about the clash of old and new. Some people find it a surreal juxtaposition, but others see it as a sign of the times. After all, in an era where even your grandmother is tracking her steps with a smartwatch, why shouldn’t the Pope be doing the same?
Now, the big question remains: what’s Pope Leo XIV’s daily step goal? Only time will tell.
This unexpected fashion moment has certainly captured the imagination of many, combining the sacred with the modern world in a way no one saw coming.