Pope Leo XIV, clad in traditional papal attire, made a subtle but striking nod to modernity during his first Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an Apple Watch peeking from beneath his white sleeve.
The brief sighting of the smartwatch sent social media into a frenzy. Speculation ranged from a Wenger Swiss Military to a Rolex, but horological researcher Nick Gould quickly confirmed it was an Apple Watch, the same one Pope Leo wore during his time as cardinal.
Just a day before, the newly elected pontiff launched his Instagram account under the handle Pontifex, drawing over 6.6 million followers in hours.
His first post was a message of peace delivered from the Vatican balcony: “I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, and among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.”
The Church’s digital evolution began with Pope Benedict XVI, who joined Twitter in 2012 with the message: “Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart.”
His successor, Pope Francis, echoed that sentiment, urging followers to pray for him in his first tweet.
Today, popes regularly use digital platforms to share scripture, communicate Church values, and weigh in on global issues.
But Pope Leo XIV is already carving out a distinct path, embracing technology while confronting its dangers.
In his first address to the College of Cardinals, he raised concerns about the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence, drawing parallels to Pope Leo XIII’s defence of workers during the Industrial Revolution.
“In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defence of human dignity, justice and labour,” he said.
The Pope’s stance on AI has been welcomed by many Catholics, who see his tech-savviness as a shield against misinformation and exploitation in the digital age.
Visually, Pope Leo XIV blends tradition and modernity. He wore a red mozzetta, a break from Pope Francis’s more understated style, but also echoed his predecessor’s mission of inclusivity and support for the marginalised.