A nun who captured global attention after breaking protocol at Pope Francis’ casket has now spoken out about the emotional moment.
Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, an 81-year-old French-Argentine nun, was seen bursting into tears as she approached the late Pope’s body at St Peter’s Basilica.
In a viral video shared online, Jeanningros was shown wiping away tears with a tissue after entering the restricted area usually reserved for priests, bishops, and cardinals.
Despite the breach of protocol, Sister Genevieve was allowed to stand by the coffin. She shared a close bond with Pope Francis, dating back to his time as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Speaking to the Vatican press service, Sister Genevieve explained the deep emotions behind her visit.
“Many people told me: when you go to see the Pope, take us with you. I cried for them too,” she said, cited by The Mirror.
The nun has visited the Basilica four times during the lying-in-state. During her most recent visit on Friday, she was accompanied by Laura Esquivel, a Paraguayan trans woman who also knew the Pope.
Esquivel shared: "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."
Since her emotional moment at the casket, Sister Genevieve has reportedly declined numerous interview requests. Speaking to G1, she explained: “No, I can’t. I don’t want to talk to anyone, I’m sorry. I can’t because it’s too much, you know? I liked him a lot, that’s it.”
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday due to a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
In a statement, Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Ferrell said: "At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised," he continued. "With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
The Argentine pontiff's funeral took place on Saturday (April 26), with many world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, gathering to pay tribute to the late pontiff.
Following the funeral, his body was taken through the streets of Rome before being laid to rest in the underground tomb at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a move in keeping with his personal wishes.