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.