A French-Argentine nun and long-time friend of Pope Francis was allowed to break protocol in an emotional farewell at St Peter’s Basilica, where the late Pontiff lay in state.
Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, 81, was seen approaching the coffin in an area normally reserved for clergy, guided gently past a red rope to pray beside her friend.
Jeanningros, who had known Francis for more than 40 years, stood quietly at the side of the open casket dressed in a navy outfit and blue headscarf. She appeared overcome with emotion, covering her face as she wept and dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
No security personnel intervened as she remained by the coffin for a private moment of grief.
Her relationship with Francis was well known. Just last July, the Pope visited her in Ostia, Rome, to honour her decades of humanitarian service.
Clips of the moment have gone viral on social media, resonating with viewers around the world.
Also read: Pope Francis lies in state ahead of Saturday’s funeral
