Unprecedented video footage has revealed the Cardinals’ reactions when Robert Prevost was named the new Pope.
Following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Vatican News shared footage on social media showing Pope Leo XIV greeting and embracing many of the Cardinals as they congratulated him.
The footage captures the 69-year-old Pope Leo XIV exiting the Sistine Chapel, as well as kneeling in private prayer at a prie-dieu.
Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is the first American to assume the significant role of leading the Catholic Church.
Before his election, he served as the Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru from 2015 to 2023 and was the General of the Order of Saint Augustine from 2001 to 2013.
The video quickly went viral on social media, with many eager to get an inside look at the proceedings and see Pope Leo XIV shortly after his election.
One Twitter user commented: “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 wrote: “A powerful moment of fraternity and grace within the Sistine Chapel. Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate not with fanfare, but with an embrace…echoing Christ, who came to serve, not to be served.”
A third added: “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.”
While another wrote: “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 he took to the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to give his first address, Pope Leo called for unity and love throughout the world.
His first words as pope were ‘May peace be with all of you’.
Pope Leo called for peace, love and dialogue between people as he gave his first speech (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Speaking of his predecessor, Pope Francis, he added: “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 also thanked 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.”
