An 81-year-old nun stood beside Pope Francis’ coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica, tears streaming down her face.
She was allowed to enter the restricted area, normally reserved for high-ranking clergy, to pay her respects to her dear friend.
The nun, known as Sister Genevieve Jeannet-Gros, is a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus.
She and Pope Francis had been close friends for over 40 years, bonding over their work with the poor and marginalized.
Their friendship began when Pope Francis was still Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Sister Genevieve and her fellow nuns lived in a caravan, serving the homeless and vulnerable in Rome’s outskirts.
A Special Bond
Every Wednesday, Sister Genevieve would bring a small group of marginalized people to meet Pope Francis.
He’d welcome them warmly, sometimes even inviting them to share a meal and providing financial assistance from his own funds.
In July last year, Pope Francis visited Sister Genevieve to express his gratitude for her tireless work over the past 56 years.
The nun’s presence at the basilica was a testament to the strong bond between them.
As she stood beside the coffin, she was overcome with emotion, her hands covering her face as she struggled to hold back tears.
Despite being in a restricted area, she was allowed to remain, a sign of respect for her long-standing friendship with the late Pope.
Sister Genevieve wore a dark blue habit and headscarf, supported by attendants as she made her way to the coffin.
Pope Francis’ body lay inside, dressed in red vestments with golden embroidery and a rosary in his hand.
Paying Respects
The atmosphere in the basilica was somber, with mourners paying their respects to the late Pope.
Sister Genevieve’s emotional display was a poignant reminder of the impact Pope Francis had on those around him.
As news of her visit spread, it highlighted the deep connection between the nun and the Pope, one built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
The image of Sister Genevieve beside Pope Francis’ coffin served as a powerful tribute to their enduring friendship.