Sister Geneviève Jeanningros, an 81-year-old nun from the Little Sisters of Jesus order, is known for her unwavering commitment to serving society’s most marginalized groups. For over 56 years, she has dedicated her life to assisting transgender women, fairground workers, and the homeless, particularly in Ostia, a coastal area near Rome. Living in a caravan with her fellow nun, Anna Amelia Giacchetto, she shares in the daily struggles of the people she helps, showing empathy and humility.
The world first took notice of Sister Geneviève during Pope Francis’s funeral, where her quiet yet powerful act of defiance against the strict Vatican protocols left an indelible impression. Amid the somber ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, she approached the Pope’s coffin, wearing a green backpack, and knelt to pray in silence. Her action, though unconventional, was a deeply personal moment of farewell to a close friend.
Geneviève’s relationship with Pope Francis dates back to his time as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Their bond was forged through their shared passion for advocating for the poor and marginalized. For over 40 years, Sister Geneviève had been a vital bridge between these overlooked communities and Pope Francis, who himself had ties to victims of the Argentine dictatorship. She introduced the Pope to marginalized groups in Rome, including fairground workers and transgender individuals, many of whom were involved in prostitution. In return, the Pope extended a warm embrace, offering them not only financial support but also his attention, inviting them to lunch and listening to their stories.
One of the most notable moments of their friendship occurred on July 31, 2024, when Geneviève facilitated a visit by Pope Francis to an amusement park in Ostia. The visit was arranged to bless a statue of the “Virgin Protector of the Traveling Show and Circus” and to meet with fairground workers. This historic event symbolized the Pope’s connection to the “last” of Rome, reinforcing his commitment to the forgotten and oppressed.
Sister Geneviève’s quiet gesture at the Pope’s funeral, where she knelt beside the coffin, was not a breach of protocol but an intimate, personal tribute to a friend who shared her mission of love, inclusivity, and social justice. Pope Francis once referred to her as “L’enfant terrible,” a nickname reflecting her rebellious spirit and courage.
🇻🇦 | FRANCISCO (1936-2025): La monja Genevieve Jeanningros, amiga del Papa, protagoniza un emotivo momento al saltarse el protocolo y colocarse en uno de los lados del féretro. Ella se acercó a despedirse de su amigo, rezando y llorando en silencio.
— Alerta News 24 (@AlertaNews24) April 23, 2025
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In a world that often values formality over emotion, Sister Geneviève’s act was a poignant reminder of the humanity that should lie at the heart of faith. Her legacy, defined by love, compassion, and courage, mirrors the very essence of Pope Francis’s pontificate—closeness to the poor and the marginalized, and an unwavering commitment to justice.