On April 23, during the public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica, 81-year-old Sister Geneviève Jeanningros made a quiet yet powerful gesture that resonated with people around the world. Stepping away from the formal procession, she walked up to Pope Francis’ coffin, her eyes filled with emotion and a green backpack slung over her shoulder—a deeply personal moment that gently pushed the boundaries of Vatican ceremony.
Sister Geneviève had shared a long-standing friendship with Pope Francis, grounded in mutual compassion and a lifelong dedication to serving those on the margins of society. Their relationship began when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and it endured even after he rose to the papacy. They continued to see each other regularly, often sharing meals with the homeless individuals she brought to their gatherings.
As a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus, Geneviève leads a humble life in a trailer near Rome. Her close relationship with the Pope granted her a rare privilege—to personally bid farewell, an exception to the usual rules.
Their connection, rooted in empathy and a shared mission, surpassed formalities and status. In that quiet act of love and remembrance at his coffin, Sister Geneviève expressed more than any words could convey.