On April 23, during public farewells at St. Peter’s Basilica, 81-year-old Sister Geneviève Jeanningros quietly stepped out of line and approached Pope Francis’ casket, capturing hearts worldwide. With tears in her eyes and a green backpack on her shoulder, her silent goodbye stood out amid strict Vatican protocol.
Sister Geneviève and Pope Francis shared a decades-long friendship, rooted in compassion and service to marginalized communities. They met when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires and stayed close after he became Pope, meeting regularly—even sharing meals with the homeless and outsiders she brought along.
