Heartbroken nun who knew Pope Francis breaks huge Vatican protocol at open coffin

A nun and close friend of Pope Francis was seen praying at his open coffin, breaking major protocol.

Millions of Catholics around the world are currently mourning the death of Pope Francis, who has been the head of the church for 12 years.

Celebrities and world leaders have put out posts sharing their condolences, including Donald Trump, who will be attending the funeral of Francis on Saturday (26 April).

But one nun was seen breaking protocol as she prayed for her long-time friend beside his open coffin - a tradition in the Catholic faith.

His body is currently lying-in state, protected by four Swiss Guards.

The nun broke protocol (Vatican Media)

In heartfelt footage that has since gone viral on social media, 81-year-old sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a French-Argentine nun, could be seen crying by the red rope around his coffin.

The clip captured the elderly lady approaching a restricted area, which is traditionally reserved for bishops, priests and cardinals.

However, due to her close bond with the late pope, she had been granted access to pray for him there.

With the assistance of an official, she was able to get as close as possible, while she held a handkerchief to dry her tears.

Their close friendship began when Francis was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

And it wasn't too long ago, in July 2024, that he visited her personally in Rome, to praise her efforts of humanitarian work.

According to local media, she has dedicated her entire career of 56 years to helping the most disadvantaged people in society.

It's also reported that she lives in a small trailer on the outskirts of the Italian capital.

She dried her tears as she prayed for the late pope (Vatican Media)

Jeanningros told Vatican News: "He was a father, a brother, a friend. He will be missed by everyone. And I'm moved to see so many people here today."

Pope Francis was even known to tease the nun according to the outlet, saying during one of their meetings: "What is Sister Geneviève doing here? Taming the lions?"

The outlet said: "The nun has known the pope for some time, she wrote to him shortly after his election, recalling the story of a missionary aunt in Argentina who disappeared during the 'Dirty War'.

"The correspondence has never stopped and Francis, in an audience with street artists, even wished her a happy birthday."

It's now clear that the pope died of a stroke and heart failure, after greeting those who came out to see him on Easter Sunday, just the day before his death.

On Thursday (24 April) evening, it was reported that over 90,000 mourners had paid their respects to Francis, having passed his open coffin at St Peter's Basilica.