In brief
In a poignant tribute, Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, a longtime friend of Pope Francis, shares her final moments with him as thousands gather to pay their respects at his lying in state.
Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus, stood alone before Pope Francis’s coffin, grappling with deep sorrow as she paid her last respects at St. Peter's Basilica. The sight was captured in a heartwarming video that showcases the elderly nun's emotional farewell to a beloved spiritual leader and confidant. Dressed in a simple blue veil that complemented her silver hair, Sister Geneviève offered a personal goodbye to the pontiff, who passed away recently. Their longstanding friendship dates back to when he served as the bishop of Buenos Aires, where they first connected over shared faith and compassion. In her reflections, Sister Geneviève recounted how she had previously written to the church, expressing her disappointment over the absence of senior clergy at her aunt's funeral. Her aunt, a nun, tragically disappeared during Argentina's military dictatorship in the 1970s and was later discovered deceased. She shared how Pope Francis—then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio—promptly responded to her concerns that same evening, establishing a bond built on mutual respect and understanding.Until last year, Sister Geneviève dedicated her life to serving the poor, living in a camper at a fairground outside Rome. Her heartfelt farewell encapsulates the deep connection between the nun and the late pontiff, highlighting their influential roles in the Catholic community and beyond.
