Introduction:
In an emotional moment that captured the hearts of many, Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a French-Argentine nun, was allowed to break tradition and stand near Pope Francis’ casket, a spot typically reserved for cardinals, bishops, and priests. Her act of mourning and praying at this sacred place highlighted the deep bond she shared with the late pontiff, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
A Lifelong Friendship:
Sister Jeanningros, now 81, had known Pope Francis long before his papacy, when he was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Their relationship was rooted in a deep mutual respect, and despite his rise to the head of the Catholic Church, their friendship remained steadfast.
Over the years, Sister Jeanningros, a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus order, dedicated herself to helping the disadvantaged, particularly transgender women in the Ostia region of Rome. Pope Francis was always a supporter of her humanitarian efforts, even visiting her in Ostia in July to acknowledge her lifelong work.
Breaking Protocol:
When Pope Francis passed away, Sister Jeanningros’ grief was palpable. During the lying-in-state, she was permitted to approach the casket and pray beside it, breaking protocol in a deeply personal tribute to a lifelong friend. In the footage, she is seen wiping away tears with a tissue as she prayed, a powerful image of love and sorrow. This intimate moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral, resonating deeply with those who saw it.
A Shared Commitment to Humanity:
Sister Jeanningros’ connection with Pope Francis was more than just personal; it was built on their shared ideals of compassion and service to the most vulnerable. She regularly brought people from the streets to meet the pope, and he always welcomed them with open arms, offering lunch, time, and financial support. Their bond was founded on mutual respect for the dignity of all people, especially those marginalized by society.
As Sister Jeanningros reflected on her final moments with Pope Francis, she said, “Many people told me: when you go to see the Pope, take us with you. I cried for them too.”
The Pope’s Legacy:
Sister Jeanningros wasn’t the only one touched by Pope Francis’ kindness. Laura Esquibel, a trans woman from Portugal who met Pope Francis through Sister Jeanningros, shared her own experience: “I was the first trans woman to shake his hand. I’ve seen him seven times, we had lunch together. I liked him a lot.” Pope Francis’ willingness to connect with people from all walks of life, including the transgender community, left an indelible mark on many.
Over the course of three days, over 250,000 mourners came to pay their respects to Pope Francis, honoring his legacy of compassion, love, and service.
Conclusion:
Sister Jeanningros’ emotional tribute to Pope Francis serves as a reminder of the profound impact he had on individuals from all walks of life. Her heartfelt act of prayer beside his casket was not just a personal farewell but a symbol of the love, respect, and humanity that Pope Francis shared with the world. It is moments like these that show the enduring power of kindness and the deep bonds formed through shared values.
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