Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Erik Tenedero

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17455121907751745512237562.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=" Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a longtime friend of Pope Francis, was one of the firsts to pay their last respect to the pontiff when his body was transferred to Saint Peter&#x27;s Basilica. Screenshot from Vatican Media"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a longtime friend of Pope Francis, was one of the firsts to pay their last respect to the pontiff when his body was transferred to Saint Peter&#x27;s Basilica. <em>Screenshot from Vatican Media</em></span></span></span></div><p>Amid towering men in their swishing clerical dress stood a quiet figure of a woman, weeping in vigil before the mortal remains of the pope.</p><p>Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a longtime friend of Pope Francis, was one of the firsts to pay their last respect to the pontiff when his body was transferred to Saint Peter&#x27;s Basilica.</p><p>The pope&#x27;s body was still surrounded by high-ranking cardinals, bishops, canons, and members of the pontifical household at that time.</p><p>But Vatican aides allowed Sister Genevieve to get close to the pontiff.</p><p>Carrying a green backpack and wearing a simple jacket over her blue habit, she stood in a corner just behind the velvet ropes.</p><p>Despite strict Vatican protocols, no one dared ask her to move along, as cardinals, priests, and members of the pope&#x27;s personal choir approach the coffin and leave one by one.</p><p>She stayed for at least seven minutes.</p><p>Sister Genevieve is a French nun and a member of  the Little Sisters of Jesus, according to an old Vatican News report.</p><p>In July last year, she hosted Pope Francis at the Luna Park of Ostia Lido.</p><p>The pope visited workers at the amusement park, where the nun is providing pastoral assistance.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvaticannews%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0NTTHZLGLMHZkpequ5pqDriLZBJFFrPRjgaBMB9tQZFi7rs71R64jzr2Bo5pY17qwl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="645" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Sister Genevieve had been a friend to the pope, bringing various groups to meet the pontiff over the years at the conclusion of the regular General Audience every Wednesday.</p><p>The serene moment of the nun bidding her friend goodbye was captured by the Vatican media and has touched many people online. </p><p>Pope Francis, throughout his 12-year pontificate, has championed greater role for women in Vatican bureaucracy. </p><p>It was under his papacy that saw for the first time a nun heading a Vatican dicastery, an equivalent of a department or a ministry in secular government structure. </p><p>The pope&#x27;s no frills approach endeared him to ordinary people, like dining at the cafeteria with Vatican workers and spending time with the homeless and other marginalized people. </p><p>Pope Francis passed away last April 21 at his residence at Casa Santa Marta after battling several illnesses throughout his work as head of the Catholic Church. </p><p>Thousands lined up to enter Saint Peter&#x27;s Basilica just to get a glimpse of the pontiff dubbed as the &quot;People&#x27;s Pope.&quot;</p><p>A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 26 marking the beginning of nine-day mourning of the Catholic Church. </p><p>In fulfillment of his final request, Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Magiorre.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j55NVJ96ztI?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Amid towering men in their swishing clerical dress stood a quiet figure of a woman, weeping in vigil before the mortal remains of the pope.</p>

Amid towering men in their swishing clerical dress stood a quiet figure of a woman, weeping in vigil before the mortal remains of the pope.

One last look: Pope Francis' longtime nun-friend seen in tears before his casket

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One last look: Pope Francis' longtime nun-friend seen in tears before his casket

Erik Tenedero,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 24, 2025 10:42 PM PHT

|

Updated April 25, 2025 12:31 AM PHT

Read More:

Pope Francis

Vatican

Holy See

Saint Peter's Basilica

Sister Genevieve Jeanningros

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