In the crowd outside the Sistine Chapel, a cheer erupted as white smoke billowed into the sky, signaling the conclusion of the vote. But what transpired moments after Robert Prevost assumed the role of the most influential figure 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 a few hours after Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, Vatican News shared a video of the newly appointed pope warmly greeting the 133 members of the College of Cardinals who chose him.

The gesture of appreciation from the Chicago-born pope inside the Sistine Chapel came shortly after his selection 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.