Thursday was a stunning day in the Vatican and outside in St. Peter’s Square as the Papal Conclave came to agreement on their choice for their next leader, 69-year-old native Chicagoan Cardinal Robert Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV.

The massive crowds outside the Sistine Chapel cheered as the white smoke wafted into the air, signifying that the vote was complete. But what happened in the moments after Robert Prevost became the most powerful man in the Catholic Church?

The Vatican posted unprecedented footage of the aftermath, and as you might guess, it was full of somber ceremony but also much joy:

Pope Leo XIV embraces each of the Cardinal electors just after he accepts his election to become the 267th Pope. pic.twitter.com/0cP28r7mam

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025

The incredible behind-the-scenes video shows the new Pontiff hugging his compatriots:

Just hours after Cardinal Robert Prevost was named the new head of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, Vatican News posted footage of the new pontiff embracing the 133 members of the College of Cardinals who selected him.

The Chicago-born pope’s gesture of gratitude in the Sistine Chapel came just hours after he was selected by the cardinals on the second day of the conclave. 

The footage shows Pope Leo XIV delivering a prayer before the members of the college from the altar of the historic Roman cathedral, and is then seen kneeling in a private prayer on a prie-dieu.

Finally, he smiles as he shakes hands with the cardinals.

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The new Pope then went out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to address the throngs:

Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

"Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd, who gave… pic.twitter.com/AqJcOpK5Ge

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 8, 2025

"Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd, who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you."

There have been countless books, movies, and articles about the secrets and rituals that go on in the Vatican; it remains an endless source of fascination for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. To see a moment like this is special and truly gives a sense of the history and gravity of the Church’s 2,000-year-old history. We may not see another like it in many years.

Thursday was a history-making day as a new Pope was celebrated. 

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