Unprecedented video footage has shown how the Cardinals reacted when Robert Prevost was named the pope.
Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected new pope and leader of the Catholic church following the death of Pope Francis.
Video footage was shared on social media by Vatican News showing Pope Leo greeting and embracing many of the Cardinals as they congratulated him.
The footage shows the 69-year-old leaving the Sistine chapel as well as him praying, kneeling in a private prayer on a prie-dieu.
As he was born in Chicago, Pope Leo is the first American to ever take on the monumental role as the leader of the Catholic church.
He previously served as 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 has quickly spread on social media as many were excited to get an inside look at the proceedings as well as see Pope Leo after being elected.
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 said: “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.”
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’.
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.”
