Internet reacts to Pope’s ‘surreal’ outfit detail

Yes, you read that right — the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is wearing an Apple Watch.

A Papal Introduction With a Twist

The 69-year-old pontiff officially began his tenure as head of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, and his early days in the papacy have already been marked by serious global advocacy. He’s called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, has urged the release of hostages, and publicly praised the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. His messages, urgent and heartfelt, have echoed across pulpits and newsrooms alike.

But while Pope Leo XIV is busy appealing for peace, the internet is preoccupied with a different kind of statement — one that’s more tech-savvy than theological.

A Watch That Made the World Watch

It happened during a recent Holy Mass. Photographers captured the new pope delivering blessings in his ceremonial white vestments — robes heavy with centuries of history and tradition. But there, peeking from beneath the sacred garments on his left wrist, was a modern twist: an unmistakable Apple Watch.

The image quickly made its way to social media, and the reactions were swift, humorous, and oddly endearing.

“Him wearing an Apple Watch gets me every time,” one person posted on X (formerly Twitter), followed by another saying, “The Pontiff wearing an Apple Watch is a really surreal image.”

Others simply laughed at the juxtaposition. “The Apple Watch is so funny,” one commenter wrote, as if seeing the Vicar of Christ checking his heart rate mid-Mass was straight out of a satirical sketch.

A Digital Shepherd in a Traditional Role

This isn’t just a viral moment — it’s a powerful symbol of how our world is changing. In a time when ancient traditions meet digital innovation more frequently than ever, the sight of a pope wearing a smartwatch captures something quietly profound.

It’s not the first time Pope Leo XIV’s wristwear has caught the public eye. After his election, fans of both faith and tech began combing through footage and photos, pointing out glimpses of the watch during various public appearances. Apple-focused website 9to5Mac even posted a close-up shot to Instagram, fueling speculation in the comments.

“Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is making buzz in the tech and watch communities after being seen wearing an Apple Watch during his first official mass,” read the post. “It’s not clear which model this is. Any guesses?”

While nobody could confirm if it’s a Series 8 or the latest Ultra, one thing is clear: the Pope is very much a smartwatch guy.

Faith Meets Fitness

One particularly clever Redditor dug up an older photo of Leo XIV — from before his rise to the papacy — showing him blessing a parishioner while, once again, wearing the same Apple Watch.

“During his first Holy Mass, Pope Leo XIV sported an Apple Watch, which he had worn previously before being elected a Cardinal,” the user noted.

It’s almost poetic. A man who had spent his life walking alongside parishioners, navigating spiritual paths, now tracks his physical ones too — perhaps counting steps along the marble corridors of the Vatican, or monitoring his sleep after late-night prayers.

After all, in an age where even your grandmother is checking her heart rate or tracking her steps on a smartwatch, why shouldn’t the pope join in?

Popes and Public Perception

Historically, popes have always worn symbolic attire. From papal tiaras to hand-crafted crucifixes, their wardrobes have reflected not only their status but their era.

Pope John Paul II was photographed in hiking boots and a ski cap during mountain retreats. Pope Benedict XVI made headlines for his custom red Prada loafers (though the Vatican denied the designer affiliation). And Pope Francis — known for his humility — has consistently opted for simpler, more modest choices.

Now comes Leo XIV, with a nod to the modern age: a high-tech health tracker sitting comfortably beneath centuries-old robes. It’s a snapshot of the evolving identity of the Church — one that must balance history with modernity, reverence with relevance.

What Does It Say About Today’s Church?

The Pope’s Apple Watch isn’t about trendiness. It’s about presence — a quiet, perhaps unintentional, affirmation that even the most ancient institutions are not immune to the digital age.

Think about it: a pope whose every movement is steeped in ritual and tradition also checking his notifications, glancing at his heart rate, or maybe tracking time for a homily. It’s strange and yet incredibly human.

Could the next Vatican app be on the horizon? Daily Rosary reminders? Vatican live-stream alerts? “ConfessNow” with calendar syncing? We’re half-kidding… but only half.

And the Internet Wonders…

Naturally, the memes began flowing. A few highlights from X and Reddit:

• • “He’s probably closing his rings for the day by walking through the Vatican.”

• • “Imagine getting a blessing while the Pope gets a ‘stand up’ reminder.”
  • “Does the Vatican have Wi-Fi that good??”
  • “The Body of Christ — now with Bluetooth.”

All lighthearted jabs, but they point to a deeper connection between faith and technology. The Church — so often seen as slow to change — may be shifting in ways both symbolic and practical.

What Would Jesus Track?

While we can’t be sure if Pope Leo XIV is checking weather updates for his next pilgrimage or glancing at his heart rate before a big announcement, what’s certain is that the image of him wearing that Apple Watch will be remembered. Not for mockery, but as a moment that humanized the papacy — that made it just a little more relatable to the modern world.

So what’s next for the smartwatch-wearing pope?

Maybe he’s using Apple Fitness to meditate with Gregorian chants. Maybe he’s organizing his day around Vatican appointments. Maybe he’s just checking the time — in a role where every second counts.

Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: if your faith wasn’t keeping you on your toes, your Apple Watch just might.

Now the only question left is… what’s his daily step goal?