Pope Leo XIV’s Apple Watch Goes Viral: Where Tradition Meets Tech

It wasn’t a sermon that stole the spotlight — it was Pope Leo XIV’s Apple Watch.

During a recent Mass, the newly elected pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was photographed mid-blessing with a sleek Apple Watch peeking from beneath his robe, sparking a wave of social media buzz.

“Every time I see the Pope with an Apple Watch, I lose it,” one X user wrote, capturing the surreal mix of sacred and modern.

At 69, Pope Leo XIV began his papacy on May 8, 2025, already known for his diplomatic outreach. But this time, the focus was all on his wristwear. Memes, zoom-ins, and model guesses filled Reddit, Instagram, and tech blogs.

For many, the watch symbolized a modern, relatable pope — connected, humble, and digitally savvy. In one viral joke: “So what’s his step goal?”

Sometimes, a simple photo — a papal blessing and a smartwatch — speaks louder than any sermon.