The nun who broke protocol at Pope Francis’ coffin
In a moment that broke through the seriousness of Vatican tradition, a simple act of love touched the hearts of people all across the world.
A lone individual deviated from the established order on April 23, as hundreds of people were making their way through St. Peter’s Basilica to say their goodbyes to Pope Francis.
She was neither a politician nor a dignitary in any way. Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, who was 81 years old, was a nun, and she wasn’t simply there to pay her respects; she was there to do more than that.
The picture of Sister Jeanningros, who was seen standing in silence next to the casket of the Pope with tears in her eyes and a green bag thrown over one shoulder, began to circulate on the internet almost immediately.
While the clergy and mourners adhered to the rigid protocol of the Vatican, she lingered, which allowed her to break formation but did not violate her faith.
Compassionate friendship that has been forged
The Vatican has stated that Pope Francis, whose birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, as a result of a stroke occurring.
In the span of just one day, over 48,000 individuals had paid their respects at his casket. On the other hand, none of them had exactly the same impact as Sister Jeanningros had.
There is a strong connection between her and the late pontiff, despite the fact that her name is not generally recognized.
When Francis was serving as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the two individuals first came into contact with one another.
Both were committed to helping those who were marginalized by society, such as homeless people, transgender people, circus performers, and people who were nearing the end of their lives.
Even after Bergoglio became the leader of the Catholic Church, they continued to maintain their friendship, which was founded on the principles of mutual respect and shared beliefs.
Following the viewing of the video of Sister Jeanningros silently crying next to the casket, a commenter commented, “That is genuine pain.” “We are witnessing a moment in history.”
resides in a little van or caravan
Although she was born in France, Sister Jeanningros was raised in Argentina. She is a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus, an organization that is well-known for living among and supporting populations that are considered to be neglected.
Together with another nun named Sister Anna Amelia Giachetto, she has been ministering to the marginalized members of society for a number of years while living in a humble caravan on the outskirts of Rome.
She made it a habit to pay a visit to Pope Francis on Wednesdays, where she would sometimes bring people from the streets to meet him
They were always welcomed by the Pope, who himself was never one to stand on ceremony. Quite frequently, he would extend an invitation to them to remain for lunch.
Loss was something she had experienced before. The military dictatorship in Argentina was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of her aunt, Léonie Duquet, who was a French nun. This occurred during the Dirty War.
The Pope, who was himself the son of Italian immigrants in Argentina, was able to empathize with her suffering and was there for her during this difficult time.
It’s love over protocol…At first, many people believed that Sister Jeanningros had violated the procedure of the Vatican by approaching the casket in a manner that was not appropriate.
In point of fact, she had been secretly granted special authorization, which is a rare honor that is not extended to cardinals or heads of state, but rather to someone whose relationship with the Pope transcended status.
She is depicted in photographs among the masses, appearing unassuming and carrying a rucksack while wearing a modest clothing.
When she was standing next to the coffin, however, she embodied something profound: a life lived in quiet devotion, a friendship that was not built on politics but on purpose.
One of the most moving photographs ever taken captures the Pope and Sister Jeanningros beaming with happiness while attending an outdoor event.
In another, they bless a monument at a festival with a circus theme. Both of them were fans of the circus, and they believed in the power of the circus to inspire and motivate.
Her last trip to the Vatican, which took place this week, was not a typical one. This was their farewell.
exhibited a distinct difference
One user thought on the fact that she approached her friend in the same manner that she did every other Wednesday.
This particular encounter, on the other hand, turned out to be unique. She came to bid him farewell, with the expectation that she would meet him again in the afterlife.
Sister Jeanningros and Pope Francis stood for something more gentle in a Church that is frequently accused for its rigidity.
They advocated for inclusivity, kindness, and ministry that takes place in the real world. Her farewell was not a showy affair, and there was no reason for it to be.
It was a still, unfiltered, and very human experience, much like the guy she had come to grieve.
And as her image continues to travel over the internet, one thing becomes abundantly clear: there are times when the most powerful eulogies are not delivered with words; rather, they are delivered with presence.
