Off The Record
Behind The Scenes: Pope Leo XIV’s Tearful Prayer Moments After Becoming First American Pontiff
Video footage of the Cardinals’ reaction to Robert Prevost’s appointment as pope is unprecedented.
After Pope Francis passed away, Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen to be the new pope and head of the Catholic church.
Vatican News posted video of Pope Leo welcoming and embracing several Cardinals as they congratulated him on social media.
In the video, the 69-year-old is seen bowing in a private prayer on a prie-dieu as he leaves the Sistine Chapel.
Pope Leo is the first American to assume the historic position of head of the Catholic church, having been born in Chicago.
He was the Order of Saint Augustine’s general from 2001 to 2013 and the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, from 2015 to 2023.
Since many people were eager to meet Pope Leo after his election and to have an inside peek at the events, the video became viral on social media.
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.”
In his first speech, Pope Leo urged for love and harmony on a global scale from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“May peace be with all of you” was his first statement as pope.
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.”
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