During a recent Holy Mass, viewers were surprised to spot an unusual accessory on Pope Leo XIV—an Apple Watch. The 69-year-old, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, had just begun his papacy on May 8. While delivering powerful messages on global peace, calling for ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, many couldn’t help but notice the sleek smartwatch peeking out from under his traditional robes.
Though Apple Watches are common, seeing one on the wrist of the Pope felt surreal to many. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from amused to baffled. “The Pontiff wearing an Apple Watch is a really surreal image,” one user wrote, while another joked, “It gets me every time.” The sight of the tech accessory contrasted sharply with the historic and sacred setting of the Mass.
This isn’t the first time the Pope’s smartwatch has caught public attention. Shortly after his election, eagle-eyed observers noticed it in various photos, including one shared by 9to5Mac, showing the Pope at his first official Mass. The image quickly spread across tech and religious communities, sparking curiosity about the specific Apple Watch model he wore.
It seems Pope Leo XIV has been a fan of Apple for some time. A Reddit user even uncovered an older photo of him, pre-papacy, wearing the same watch while blessing a parishioner. While the accessory may be modern, it hasn’t distracted from his mission—it’s simply a small, human detail that’s made the new pope feel even more relatable to the public.