In a moment that broke through the solemnity of Vatican tradition, one quiet act of love captured hearts around the globe.
On April 23, as thousands streamed through St. Peter’s Basilica to bid farewell to Pope Francis, a single figure stepped out of line.
She wasn’t a dignitary or a politician. She was a nun—81-year-old Sister Geneviève Jeanningros — and she wasn’t just there to pay her respects.
The image of Sister Jeanningros standing silently beside the Pope’s casket, tears in her eyes and a green backpack slung over one shoulder, quickly went viral. As clergy and mourners followed strict Vatican protocol, she lingered — breaking formation, but not breaking faith.
A friendship forged in compassion
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88 following a stroke, the Vatican confirmed.