Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus, bid a heartfelt farewell to her old friend Pope Francis as his body lay in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. A video captured her emotional goodbye, highlighting her unique position as a confidante of the late pontiff. Their friendship began during his tenure as the bishop of Buenos Aires, and was solidified when he responded to her complaint regarding the church's absence at her aunt's funeral. Her aunt, a nun, had disappeared during Argentina's military dictatorship and was later found dead. Until recently, Sister Geneviève lived in a camper at a fairground outside Rome, serving the disadvantaged.

Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, part of the Little Sisters of Jesus, was seen in a video bidding farewell to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body lay in state, showcasing their deep friendship.

The nun, wearing a blue veil, was visibly emotional as she stood alone, weeping and rubbing her face, which underscored the depth of her personal connection with the pontiff.

Their friendship originated in Buenos Aires, where Sister Geneviève became acquainted with Pope Francis, then known as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, during his time as bishop.

A poignant moment in their friendship occurred when she wrote to the church, criticizing the absence of senior clergy at her aunt’s funeral; Cardinal Bergoglio responded with a personal call the same evening.

Her aunt, also a nun, tragically disappeared in the 1970s during Argentina’s brutal military dictatorship, and her body was later discovered, a fact that likely strengthened Sister Geneviève's bond with the future pope.

Until the previous year, Sister Geneviève lived in a camper at a Roman fairground, where she dedicated her efforts to helping the disadvantaged, a testament to her commitment to service.

Eve Sampson, the reporter covering this emotional farewell, is a part of the Times Fellowship class, focusing on international news and highlighting stories of significant human connection.