Featured Image Credit: TIZIANA FABI / Contributor via Getty
Turns out the newly elected Pope Leo XIV is a tech fan.
Last week (8 May), Robert Francis Prevost was officially named the new head of the Catholic Church and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. During his first public appearance as Pope, keen-eyed viewers couldn’t help but notice a smartwatch peeking out from under his sleeve. The 69-year-old has made history as the first American to ever hold the position of Pope.
Until his death last month, Pope Francis was widely regarded as one of the most progressive leaders that the Catholic Church has ever had.
But while some conspiracy theorists are speculating that Pope Leo XIV might just be the last Bishop of Rome, and AI chatbots like ChatGPT estimating he'll be around for 'several years,' others have been more focused on the shiny new gadget on his wrist.
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When it comes to popes, this has got to be a first.
9to5Mac posted a picture of newly elected Pope Leo XIV on Instagram where a glimpse of a smartwatch could be spotted.
The caption read: "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.
"It's not clear which model this is. Any guesses?"
Could it be a Wenger Swiss Military 7223X? A Casio? Perhaps a Rolex?
However, since the photo was shared by an Apple news outlet, some Instagram users have presumed that the smartwatch is an Apple Watch and simultaneously reopening the 'Apple over Android' debate.
"Good to know he's "Team Apple"," wrote one user in the comments section.
"Android users are hating even harder now," replied a second user.
"Definitely an Apple Watch SE," claimed someone else while another user clapped: "The Pope is living in the future".
Meanwhile, over on Reddit, user Alexander Humbolt dug up a photo showing the Pope blessing a parishioner a few years ago, and sure enough, he’s got the same watch on his wrist.
“During his first Holy Mass, Pope Leo XIV sported an Apple Watch, which he had worn previously before being elected a Cardinal,” the post reads.
But considering the Pope is now 69 years old, some think the watch is nothing more than a practical choice for a man his age. After all, wearable tech has advanced enough to keep tabs on more than just our heart rate and even detect if we've fallen on the floor.
