Inclement weather, production delays, and glitches are some of the most common factors in delayed deliveries, particularly for tech products such as Apple devices. However, prospective owners who have pre-ordered the recently launched iPhone 6s and 6s Plus might get their wares later than scheduled for an unlikely reason – the Papal visit.

According to company observer MacRumors, Apple has started sending out e-mails to users, cautioning about shipping delays for their iPhone 6s and 6s Plus orders, particularly orders from the New York and Philadelphia areas, because of Pope Francis' visit to the United States. Pope Francis and the Vatican entourage are scheduled to tour the two locations this week. 

Aside from Apple sending out notifications, major carriers such as UPS also warned their patrons about shipping delays. The Verge reported that most UPS clients have already received a message, saying that delivery services might be delayed, and in other cases, cease completely, in some ZIP codes in Washington, New York City, and Philadelphia. 

Meanwhile, while some users will be affected by the Papal visit, other Apple fans might get their iPhone 6s and 6s Plus ahead of the rest of the pack. According to Apple Insider, those who have placed their orders for the new iPhones much earlier than others will more likely get their hands on their new smartphones come Friday, as the company has started sending out the handsets, which are now on their way to their respective owners.

In addition, some of the buyers of the Rose Gold iPhone 6s have already received their orders five days earlier than expected, reported MacRumors. 

Although Apple routinely sends out notifications to major carriers to sync deliveries on the day that new Apple products are scheduled to be released, there are some instances where shipments are already in transit days before the scheduled rollout.