Groundbreaking video footage has captured the moment the Cardinals received the news of Robert Prevost being named pope.
After the passing of Pope Francis, Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen as the new pope and leader of the Catholic Church.
Vatican News shared footage on social media showing Pope Leo warmly greeting and receiving congratulations from many Cardinals.
The video depicts the 69-year-old departing from the Sistine Chapel, as well as engaging in private prayer, kneeling on a prie-dieu.
Originally from Chicago, Pope Leo is the first American to ascend to the leadership of the Catholic Church.
His prior roles include serving as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023 and as the general of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
The video quickly gained traction on social media, with many eager to witness the proceedings and see Pope Leo after his election.
A Twitter user remarked: “A moving display of unity and humility—may Pope Leo XIV’s embrace of his fellow Cardinals guide his pontificate in service and brotherhood.”
Another commented: “A powerful moment of fraternity and grace within the Sistine Chapel. Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate not with fanfare, but with embrace…echoing Christ who came to serve, not to be served.”
Someone else noted: “A moment of profound unity and humility. May Pope Leo XIV’s papacy be marked by the same grace and fellowship shown in this first act of embrace.”
Another added: “For me as a catholic.. even if I’m not at church every Sunday, anyway I’m really happy today to see our Pope.. I have good feelings about our Pope. World and USA need new hope and teacher who will unite us all together.”
When addressing the world from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica for the first time, Pope Leo called for global unity and love.
His inaugural words as pope were ‘May peace be with all of you’.
Reflecting on his predecessor, Pope Francis, he stated: “The pope that blessed Rome gave his blessing to the whole world on that Easter morning. So let us follow up that blessing.
“Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, establishes dialogues.”
He expressed gratitude to the Cardinals who elected him and said: “Thank you to my cardinal brothers who chose me to be the successor of Peter and to walk together with you as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel.”