Note: VIDEO at the end of the article.
Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, officially assumed his new role on May 8, becoming the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. His early days as pope have been marked by a proactive push for global peace. He’s issued strong calls for ceasefires in Gaza, an end to the Ukraine conflict, and has welcomed peace efforts between India and Pakistan.
But while his diplomatic gestures have received measured praise, it’s his fashion-forward accessory that has drawn widespread attention.
During a recent mass, the Pope wore his customary papal garments—flowing white vestments adorned with gold embroidery, mitre hat, and ceremonial staff. But nestled subtly on his wrist was a sleek rectangle of black glass: an Apple Watch.
In most contexts, a fitness tracker wouldn’t even raise an eyebrow. But when paired with the robes of the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the contrast was simply too perfect for the internet to ignore.
Reactions Flood Social Media
The moment quickly exploded on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit. One amused user tweeted, “Him wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time.” Another remarked, “The Pontiff wearing an Apple Watch is a really surreal image.” A third chimed in, “The Apple Watch is so funny.”
For many, the moment wasn’t just humorous—it was oddly comforting. The juxtaposition of such ancient religious traditions with 21st-century gadgetry gave the Pope an unexpected relatability. It made him, as one user put it, “more human, more now.”
And this isn’t the first time people have noticed Pope Leo’s affinity for tech. Shortly after his election, social media users began circulating older photos of then-Cardinal Prevost wearing what appeared to be the same Apple Watch during his time in the United States.
Apple Watchgate: Tech Sleuths Weigh In
With interest piqued, tech enthusiasts and Apple fans jumped into action, trying to determine exactly which model the Pope was wearing. A post from 9to5Mac showed a photo of Pope Leo with a black band and aluminum case—characteristics common to the Apple Watch SE and Series 6.
“It’s not clear which model this is. Any guesses?” the caption read, sparking debates in the comments over whether the Pope might be using an Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 9, or an older version.
Apple news aggregators picked up the story, sharing close-up images and speculating about what health or productivity features the Pope might be using. “Is he tracking his heart rate during homilies? Getting ring notifications before rosary time?” one commenter joked.
The “Holy See meets iOS” memes wrote themselves.
A Tradition of Modernization?
Though the image of the Pope using high-end consumer tech may seem unusual, it’s not entirely unprecedented. Popes throughout history have embraced various tools of their time to better connect with people and manage their schedules.
Pope Benedict XVI was known to use an iPod. Pope Francis, often seen as the most tech-embracing pontiff prior to Pope Leo, launched the “Click to Pray” app and once tweeted from an iPad during a public appearance. Vatican officials have even explored the use of artificial intelligence in ethical debates and content moderation.
In that light, Pope Leo XIV wearing an Apple Watch might not be a radical departure but rather the natural evolution of a faith leader trying to balance sacred traditions with the rhythms of modern life.
Why People Are Really Talking About It
What makes this moment especially captivating is not just the absurdity of seeing religious vestments paired with Apple’s minimalist design. It’s that the contrast invites questions about modern spirituality.
Can technology co-exist with holiness? Should the Vatican embrace the tools of Silicon Valley? And what does it say when the most iconic symbol of timeless ritual—the Pope—uses a device best known for counting steps and delivering Slack notifications?
The answers may vary, but one thing’s clear: Pope Leo XIV is a man of his time. And by wearing the Apple Watch in plain sight, intentionally or not, he’s sent a quiet but bold message—that faith and progress aren’t mutually exclusive.
The Pope and the People
Though some traditionalists may balk at the sight of the Pope donning what they see as a luxury gadget, many have embraced it as a sign that their leader is in touch with reality—literally and figuratively.
“He’s just like us,” wrote one Redditor. “Trying to close his rings before vespers.”
Others pointed out the practicality: perhaps the Pope uses the watch to track his sleep, manage his packed schedule, or even monitor his health—not exactly a bad idea for someone in such a demanding role at age 69.
The Bigger Picture
In an era when public figures are scrutinized more closely than ever, even the smallest details become viral sensations. For Pope Leo XIV, a piece of wearable tech has turned him into a global meme—and maybe even a minor icon in both Catholic and tech circles.
But beneath the buzz lies a deeper, more human story: that even a man chosen to lead a centuries-old religious institution needs a reminder to stand, breathe, or take a moment of mindfulness.
If the Pope can wear an Apple Watch, maybe it’s okay for the rest of us to blend the sacred and the digital too.
Final Thoughts
Whether you view it as a funny meme, a symbol of modern Catholicism, or just a curious footnote in an already historic papacy, one thing is for sure: Pope Leo XIV wearing an Apple Watch is a moment that sums up our era perfectly.
A man of ancient robes, standing at the altar, speaking of peace, wearing a sleek rectangle of tech on his wrist—a reminder that in today’s world, holiness and hardware can go hand in hand.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MJME9WB5lE8
