Nun Who Broke Vatican Protocol to Mourn Friend Pope Francis Remembers Him as a ‘Brother’

Nun Who Broke Vatican Protocol to Mourn Friend Pope Francis Now Recalls Him as a ‘Brother’

A heartwarming tale emerged from the Vatican this week, as a nun named Sister Geneviève Jeanningros shared her memories of the late Pope Francis, whom she considered not just a pontiff but a dear friend and brother. Sister Geneviève, who defied Vatican protocol to bid farewell to Pope Francis at his casket, sat down for an interview with Noticias Telemundo ahead of the pontiff’s funeral. In the emotional interview conducted in Spanish, the nun expressed her deep admiration and love for Francis, stating that she saw him as a brother, a pope, and a friend. She highlighted that her respect and love for him extended beyond the headlines, as she paid her respects daily and intended to attend his funeral to bid him a final farewell.

The funeral proceedings, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, commenced on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time. The event saw a break from tradition as Pope Francis chose to be interred at St. Mary Major, diverging from the customary interment at St. Peter’s, marking the first instance in over a century. Before the private burial, the late pope’s coffin was received by a group known as ‘the last ones’, representing the marginalized and underprivileged individuals whom Francis held dear. Notable attendees at the funeral included Prince William, President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump, among dozens of world leaders, monarchs and heads of state.

Sister Geneviève’s poignant presence at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23, the day the public was permitted to pay their respects, resonated with many worldwide. Making her way past the usual boundaries set aside for clergy, she approached the rope enclosing Francis’s casket with the assistance of an official, demonstrating her deep reverence and grief. Videos shared on social media captured the solemn moment as the nun was allowed to weep freely, symbolizing the profound bond she shared with the late pontiff.

The nun’s connection with Pope Francis dates back to 2005 when they first crossed paths during her visit to Buenos Aires for her aunt Leonie Duquet’s burial. Duquet, also a nun, had passed away during the country’s dictatorship in the mid-1970s, prompting Geneviève’s journey and subsequent encounter with then-Bishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Their relationship deepened over the years, with Francis visiting Geneviève last July in Ostia, a Roman neighbourhood, where she engaged with the local LGBTQ+ community. Through these interactions, the nun and the pontiff forged a unique and profound bond grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

As the world bid farewell to Pope Francis, Sister Geneviève’s touching tribute and breach of protocol serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of genuine human connections. Her unwavering devotion and love for the late pontiff reflect the essence of friendship and camaraderie that transcends boundaries and protocols, inspiring many to cherish the bonds they share with others. The Vatican, in welcoming Pope Francis’s decision to diverge from tradition in his burial arrangements, honoured his dedication to the marginalized and disenfranchised, symbolising his legacy of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity.