Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, surprised many by wearing an Apple Watch during his first official mass on 9 May.
The tech accessory sparked a flurry of online reactions, with some praising his modern approach and others questioning whether it was appropriate for clergy.
Social media users joked about the Pope being “Team Apple” and referenced the device’s health benefits. While some criticized the use of “flashy” items by religious leaders, others pointed out that such devices can monitor vital health data—valuable for aging clergy.
At 69, Pope Leo’s embrace of technology may signal a progressive future for the Catholic Church, balancing tradition with modern needs.
