WATCH: Elderly nun, close friend of Pope Francis, breaks protocol to bid a tearful farewell

WATCH: Sister Jeanningros’ moment of grief

How their friendship began

The 81-year-old nun, a member of the Little Sisters of Jesus, stood for a few moments in front of the coffin, wiping away tears as she said her final goodbyes. Known for lifelong dedication to serving the marginalised, Jeanningros and the Pope shared a bond that began in Buenos Aires when he was still Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio.

Jeanningros was known to Pope Francis as a trusted confidante for over four decades. She had first become acquainted with him during his time in Argentina, and their friendship deepened as they worked together to advocate for the vulnerable, particularly the marginalized. Jeanningros, who lived in a caravan outside Rome until last year, devoted more than 56 years to humanitarian work, serving people in Ostia, particularly those living on the margins of society.

In a video posted by her religious order, Jeanningros recalled how Pope Francis had once personally called her to console her over the death of her aunt, a nun who was forcibly disappeared during Argentina’s military dictatorship.

Their bond was also marked by shared ideals of compassion and social justice, with Jeanningros often bringing disadvantaged individuals to the Vatican’s general audiences. Pope Francis not only welcomed them but also offered financial support and invited them to meals.

(With inputs from The New York Times, Daily Mail)