Much history was made by the new Pope Leo XIV on Thursday (May 8). But here's a fun fact about the evening you may not know: Harry Styles was in attendance during his first-ever public appearance.
That's right - the Love On Tour superstar just happened to be among the thousands in the crowd when the new pontificate was unveiled. Styles, 31, was spotted by fans gathered in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican on Thursday, when Pope Leo XIV was elected as the late Pope Francis' successor. It seems even the British pop star knows nothing is the same "As It Was" after the 2025 papal conclave.
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Harry Styles music at Live365.com.
ABC News reports the “Watermelon Sugar” hitmaker was also seen walking the streets of Rome ahead of the historic ceremony. The Grammy winner was photographed sporting a blue jacket, sunglasses, and a grey baseball cap emblazoned with "Techno is My Boyfriend." The hat, sold by IDEA, is now out of stock.
According to People, the photo of Styles among the crowd in Vatican City went viral. One fan wrote on X next to an image of Pope Leo XIV, "little did the pope know he was waving to harry styles."
"One thing about harry styles, he’s always going to accidentally serve cinema somewhere in europe," another wrote on X.
Styles has kept a relatively low profile since wrapping up his global Love on Tour in 2023, which followed the release of his third studio album, Harry’s House. During the massive trek, which launched in 2021, the singer fit in a few mini residencies - including a historic 15-show run at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, and another 15 shows at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
It's safe to say Styles has been using his much-needed break away from the spotlight to do some world traveling. In March, he was spotted participating in the Tokyo Marathon, where he beat more than 20,000 runners with his sub-3:30 finishing time. Also in March, a ride-share driver who goes by Pink London Taxi on Instagram went viral for sharing her encounter with the singer. In April, Styles popped up at a London run club, wearing jeans and loafers.
Styles was present for the beginning of a new religious era. Pope Leo XIV, 69, is the first American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. The pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, hails from Chicago and once attended Villanova University. Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order of the clergy. The order is largely dedicated to serving the poor and has served as missionaries throughout history.
Will we be getting a new song about Pope Leo XIV's unveiling from Styles in the future? Only time will tell, as the pop star has not announced any upcoming plans for a new single or album. Just like the crowd outside the Vatican, Harry Styles fans craving new music will just have to wait patiently.
In the meantime, check out the full viral photo of Styles in St. Peter's Square below.
READ NEXT: Top 10 Harry Styles Songs
Check out our selection of free stations streaming Harry Styles music at Live365.com.
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Article Image: Close-up of Harry Styles during the premiere for "My Policeman" in 2022, Harry Styles in the crowd during Pope Leo XIV's unveiling. (imagepressagency via DepositPhotos, @NisaKanat18 via X)
