In brief
Sister Geneviève Jeanningros bids an emotional farewell to her lifelong friend, denoting the deep bond they shared and her commitment to serving the marginalized.
Before a sea of mourners gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica to pay tribute to Pope Francis, a poignant scene unfolded as Sister Geneviève Jeanningros approached the pontiff's coffin in a deeply personal farewell. A member of the Little Sisters of Jesus, Sister Geneviève, known for her close relationship with the late pope, shared a heart-wrenching moment that was captured on video. In the striking footage, the elderly nun, draped in her modest blue veil, wept quietly, showing the depth of her sorrow for the loss of a dear friend and mentor. Their long-standing friendship began when Pope Francis was still Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, establishing a profound bond rooted in compassion and shared faith.Sister Geneviève recalled a significant moment when she had written to the church expressing her disappointment in the absence of senior clergy at her aunt's funeral, a nun who vanished during Argentina’s military dictatorship. Responding with care, Pope Francis called her that very night, a testament to his dedication to human connection and pastoral care.Until last year, Sister Geneviève lived in a camper at a fairground near Rome, dedicating her life to helping the disadvantaged, reflecting the values they both held dear. Her emotional tribute underscores the profound impact that Pope Francis had on those around him, particularly those who shared in his mission to uplift the marginalized.
