Who is Sister Geneviève? All about the nun who broke Vatican protocol while weeping over Pope Francis' casket

Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, an 82-year-old French nun and close friend of Pope Francis, was allowed to break Vatican protocol, creating a momentous and profoundly emotional scene at St. Peter’s Basilica. She entered a designated space close to the Pope’s coffin, prayed, and sobbed while hundreds awaited their time to say goodbye.

Usually reserved for male clergy, the Vatican had set aside an area for Cardinals, Priests, and Bishops where early tributes were permitted prior to admission by the general public. Still, Sister Geneviève, with a simple green rucksack, walked to the casket with the silent assistance of an official. In a time of severe suffering, she covered her face with her hands and wept while standing a short distance from the casket.

No attempt was made to stop Sister Geneviève. She had a well-known relationship with Pope Francis, and her appearance was seen as a fitting image from one of his close supporters in his efforts to help the underprivileged.

More about Sister Geneviève

Sister Geneviève is a member of the religious order known as the Little Sisters of Jesus, which is committed to helping and living among the underprivileged. She has lived in Ostia, Rome, in modest solidarity with the city’s marginalized people, which includes fairground workers and transgender individuals, for 56 years.

She, along with fellow nun Anna Amelia Giacchetto, serves the community while living in a small trailer.

She has been very active with the LGBTQ+ community. By creating connections between the Vatican and historically underrepresented groups, Sister Geneviève became a powerful symbol of inclusivity and optimism.

Her relationship with the Pope

The foundation of Sister Geneviève’s friendship with Pope Francis was personal suffering. She is the niece of French nun Léonie Duquet, who was abducted and killed during Argentina’s 1976–1983 military dictatorship.

Geneviève went all the way to Buenos Aires in 2005 to seek justice and dignity. It was then that she met the Pope, who at that time was still a Cardinal, Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio approved the reburial of Léonie in Santa Cruz Church. It was this act of kindness that formed their long-lasting friendship.

Sister Geneviève was at first dubious about the Pope, but ultimately she witnessed his dedication to the upliftment of the poor and marginalized. Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis in 2013.

Over the years, Sister Geneviève made a name for herself as a regular visitor to the Vatican. She would invite groups of LGBTQ+ people, homeless people, and other marginalized individuals to the Pope’s public audiences once a week. Speaking to Vatican News, she revealed,

"The pope welcomed us — I don't even know how to describe it. They love him so much because this is the first time trans and gay people have been welcomed by a pope. They thanked him because they finally found a church that went out to meet them."

She took care to individually write handwritten messages to the Pope explaining who was visiting. She said,

"I always wrote to him a little message to tell him who was coming."

The Pope referred to her as “L’enfant terrible” with fondness because of her rebellious and brave spirit. She gave it her all to protect the marginalized, even if it meant breaking the norms—something the Pope admired about her, as he himself possessed it.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy to be remembered after passing away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His burial was held today, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square, at his favorite cathedral in Rome, the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.

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