Who is Sister Genevieve Jeanningros? The nun who defied protocol to say goodbye to Pope Francis

During the funeral of Pope Francis, Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, 81, defied the rigid Vatican protocols that only allowed cardinals and bishops to approach the Pope’s coffin. She approached the coffin and prayed in silence while tears streamed across her face.

The nun’s emotional tribute to the late pontiff revealed the deep bond between them, forged over 40 years of shared dedication to marginalized communities and social justice.

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Sister Geneviève Jeanningros breaks Vatican protocol

When Sister Geneviève broke Vatican protocol to say goodbye to her long-time friend, she captured everyone's attention as she stood solemnly beside the coffin for several minutes in silent prayer with her eyes full of tears.

Despite being outside the official guidelines, the guards did nothing to stop her and allowed to pay her respects without interruption

ALSO SEE: Cardinals convene first general congregation following Pope Francis's death

Sister Geneviève Jeanningros and Pope Francis' friendship

Her friendship with Pope Francis began way before his papacy even started, as she introduced him to the harsh realities marginalized communities often face. Her work was instrumental in bringing these communities closer to Pope Francis.

Over the years, her relationship with Pope Francis turned into a friendship and considered each other allies in their mission to support those who needed it the most. Francis often referred to her as “L’enfant terrible,” recognizing her unwavering commitment to the cause.

Her work goes beyond just pastoral care, during the COVID-19 pandemic she provided assistance to the trans community and street vendors, who were struggling as the lockdown left them without an income.