Fans React to Unexpected Harry Styles Sighting at New Pope Announcement

Harry Styles seemingly made an unexpected appearance at a historic event in Italy — and fans are reacting.

On Thursday, May 8, a photo of the 31-year-old British singer-songwriter in the crowd at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City went viral. Harry — who has yet to confirm his attendance — was among the thousands of people who gathered to find out who the new head of the Catholic Church would be after Pope Francis passed away in April. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native, was elected and chose the name Pope Leo XIV — making him the first American to hold the papacy.

The former One Direction band member could be seen in the tightly packed crowd wearing a grey baseball cap that read “Techno Is My Boyfriend,” along with a blue jacket and sunglasses. He sported facial hair, including a mustache.

Harry Styles spotted in Rome for the new Pope announcement. pic.twitter.com/LqERgA7FNL

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 8, 2025

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to poke fun at the three-time Grammy Award winner’s surprising outing.

“Harry styles is so random, one day he’s at the Grammys winning album of the year, then he’s running a marathon in japan, but he could also be in Rome waiting for the announcement of the new pope, i love being his fan,” someone posted on the platform.

Another person wrote, “Watching the new pope with a ‘techno is my friend’ hat. you’re actually funniest most fascinating person ever, @harry_styles.”

“The Pope’s used to playing second fiddle to the big man upstairs, but I bet he didn’t expect to be overshadowed by our Lord and saviour Harry Styles,” a separate individual teased.

A fourth fan joked, “wdym harry styles watched the pope get elected. the man is everywhere but in the studio.”

In recent months, the “Watermelon Sugar” hitmaker has been spotted out and about across the world. In March, he ran the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, and in April, he surprised a run club in London.

Harry has not released any new music since his 2022 album Harry’s House, which snagged him the Album of the Year award at the Grammys.

Regardless of whether he’s in the studio, it’s safe to say the musician finds a way to put a smile on his fans’ faces.