The world watched as thousands gathered in Vatican City to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the beloved pontiff who passed away on April 20, 2025, following a stroke. Among the mourners was a figure who quietly captured the world’s attention with her heartfelt tribute to the late pope—a humble nun who broke Vatican protocol to grieve beside Pope Francis’ body.
Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, an 81-year-old French-Argentine nun, was seen breaking from tradition by approaching a restricted area around Pope Francis’ coffin, a space typically reserved for bishops, priests, and cardinals. This act, which would normally be considered a violation of strict Vatican protocol, was allowed due to the special and deeply personal bond she shared with the pope. As she knelt beside his body, holding a handkerchief to dry her tears, the moment resonated deeply with many, symbolizing the profound connection she had with the man who had been both a spiritual guide and a dear friend.
Her emotional display of grief went viral on social media, sparking discussions about the role of faith, love, and friendship in the context of the papacy. But while many were moved by the image of a simple nun paying her respects, it is the story of her relationship with Pope Francis that truly makes this moment unforgettable. Here, we delve into the deep bond between Sister Jeanningros and Pope Francis, shedding light on their years-long friendship and her thoughts on his legacy.
The nun gave a short interview ahead of the pope’s funeral on Saturday (YouTube/@@noticias)
A Relationship Built on Compassion and Service
Sister Genevieve Jeanningros’ relationship with Pope Francis was not one of fleeting acquaintance but rather one forged through years of mutual respect, shared values, and unwavering dedication to helping the most marginalized in society. Their connection began long before Pope Francis became the pontiff. In fact, their bond dates back to the time when Jorge Mario Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
For over 56 years, Sister Genevieve has dedicated her life to humanitarian work, focusing on aiding society’s most vulnerable, including the poor, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community. Her work has not been confined to just one area but spans across various initiatives that serve the disadvantaged, a mission that was very much in alignment with the values Pope Francis upheld throughout his papacy.
When Pope Francis became pope in 2013, his long-standing commitment to social justice, humility, and service to the underprivileged resonated deeply with Sister Genevieve. In July 2024, Pope Francis personally visited her in Rome to commend her tireless humanitarian efforts. During this visit, he not only praised her work but also acknowledged her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community—an area where he had made significant strides toward inclusivity during his papacy.
Despite their vast differences in position, their relationship was one of mutual respect and shared ideals. Pope Francis often spoke about his desire for a Church that was more inclusive, less focused on wealth and power, and more committed to serving the poor and marginalized. Sister Genevieve, living a life dedicated to these same principles, had become a close and trusted ally in his mission.
A Personal Grief: The Impact of Pope Francis’ Passing
When Pope Francis passed away in April, the world was thrown into mourning, not just because of his position as the leader of the Catholic Church, but because of the way he had touched the lives of people from all walks of life. For Sister Genevieve, the loss was not just the passing of a pope, but the loss of a friend and spiritual brother.
Speaking in an emotional interview just before the funeral, Sister Genevieve described Pope Francis as “a brother, a pope, and a friend.” She expressed her sadness, saying, “He will be missed by everyone,” and emphasized the profound impact he had not just on her life but on countless others. “I’m moved to see so many people here today,” she added, recognizing the global outpouring of love for the pontiff.
Her grief was deeply personal, as it was not just the loss of a spiritual leader, but a loss of a man who had been a guiding force in her own life. Pope Francis’ passing left a void, particularly for those who had worked closely with him and shared his vision of a more compassionate and inclusive world. For Sister Genevieve, his absence felt especially poignant.
Pope Francis was laid to rest at the weekend (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Breaking Protocol: A Heartfelt Tribute
The act of breaking protocol to approach Pope Francis’ coffin was one of profound significance. While the Vatican’s strict rules prevent most from accessing areas around the pope’s body, Sister Genevieve’s position as a close friend of the late pope allowed her the rare privilege of paying her final respects in such an intimate way.
In a moment that has since captured the hearts of people worldwide, Sister Genevieve was seen wiping away tears as she stood next to Pope Francis’ coffin, praying for him in silence. The sight of her standing there, in a moment of personal grief and reflection, was a powerful statement about the connection between the pope and those he served. Despite her humble position as a nun, Sister Genevieve’s presence beside the pope’s body was a reminder that, for Pope Francis, faith and compassion transcended titles and positions of power.
The image of Sister Genevieve crying next to the coffin was shared widely on social media, with many expressing their admiration for her deep sorrow and connection to the pope. Some expressed empathy with her pain, commenting on how she embodied the universal grief felt by those who loved Pope Francis. Others noted that she was the embodiment of the pope’s legacy of humility, service, and devotion to others.
Sister Genevieve’s Life of Service: A Legacy of Compassion
The life of Sister Genevieve Jeanningros is a testament to the values that Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy. Dedicated to helping those most in need, she has spent over five decades serving the poor and marginalized. Her humanitarian work has taken many forms, from providing shelter to homeless families to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, often in places where such support is not always welcomed.
Her personal sacrifices and tireless efforts in the service of others aligned perfectly with Pope Francis’ philosophy. The close friendship between them was built on shared ideals of compassion, humility, and a strong commitment to social justice. She didn’t just serve the community; she also saw in Pope Francis someone who shared her vision and commitment to helping the most vulnerable, particularly in a world that often overlooks them.
Although Sister Genevieve now resides in a small trailer on the outskirts of Rome, her impact is felt deeply within the city and beyond. She is a living example of the humility and dedication that Pope Francis valued in others, and their connection was built on mutual respect and a shared belief in serving the greater good.
A Lasting Tribute: Sister Genevieve’s Words of Remembrance
As the world watched the funeral of Pope Francis unfold, Sister Genevieve’s words resonated with many. She described the pope not just as a religious figure, but as a friend and mentor, someone who had helped guide her life’s work and who had inspired her through his own example.
“He will be missed by everyone,” Sister Genevieve stated, her voice tinged with emotion. “And I’m moved to see so many people here today.” It was clear that Pope Francis’ impact extended far beyond the halls of the Vatican; his legacy was felt by those like Sister Genevieve, who had been touched by his kindness and dedication to the poor.
For Sister Genevieve, the loss of Pope Francis was not just the passing of a spiritual leader, but the end of a personal chapter in her life. The emotional tribute she paid to him at his funeral—a quiet act of mourning in a restricted area—captured the deep bond they had shared. And while the world mourns the loss of a pope, Sister Genevieve’s tribute reminds us of the personal connections that can transcend positions of power and remind us all of the enduring power of faith, friendship, and compassion.
In a time of global mourning, Sister Genevieve’s heartfelt grief and her longstanding relationship with Pope Francis offer a glimpse into the personal side of the pontiff’s life. Through her words and actions, she reminds us that the pope was not only a figurehead of the Catholic Church but a friend and guide to those who lived out his values of humility and service.
