AP video journalist Obed Lamy traveled to the new pope’s hometown of Chicago to capture local reaction to Robert Prevost’s selection as pontiff. He began at the home of the pope’s brother, John, who welcomed him inside for an interview and shared family photos from their early years.
As Lamy conducted the interview, John’s phone rang repeatedly. He ignored the calls—until a different notification sound caught his attention. “That might be the pope,” John said.
He headed to the basement, tablet in hand, to return the missed call. With permission to follow, Lamy carefully positioned himself so the screen wouldn’t be visible. As the brothers spoke, Lamy documented the moment—capturing the pope’s first phone call with his brother following his historic election.
AP was the only outlet to witness and report on the emotional exchange. The first text story, anchored by staff writer Hallie Golden, was followed by video edits produced by Rod Jussim. The next day, Lamy shared his behind-the-scenes experience in a first-person text story and video, with contributions from staff writer Corey Williams.
Days earlier, at the Vatican, AP teams rehearsed and produced a live YouTube stream of the papal conclave. Newsperson Giovanna Dell’Orto made her television debut as host, with Jessie Wardarski as cameraperson, Kathy Young producing, and Tomislav Skaro arranging for the live shot. From London, Rafaela Freitas and Sara Gillesby managed the technical feeds, with Freitas coordinating with MCR to prepare each shot for a quad box format.
The livestream drew more YouTube views than any other news channel covering the conclave.
Judges praised Lamy’s exclusive access on a globally competitive story and the team’s innovative, audience-focused streaming coverage.
For capturing a historic moment and successfully engaging global audiences, Lamy, Dell’Orto, Wardarski, Young, Skaro and Freitas are this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.
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