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Headline: The Nun Who Defied Protocol for Pope Francis: A Story of Grief, a Lost Aunt, and an Unlikely Friendship
Introduction:
In the solemn silence of St. Peter’s Basilica, as cardinals filed past the body of Pope Francis, one figure stood out: an 82-year-old French nun named Geneviève-Josèphe Jeanningros. Her blue veil and simple green backpack were a stark contrast to the opulent surroundings, but it was her stillness, her silent prayer, and her tears that captured the world’s attention. Why was she allowed to linger,defying Vatican protocol? The answer lies in a remarkable and deeply personal connection with the late Pope – a connection forged from anger,grief,and a shared commitment to the poor.
The Moment That Stopped the World:
The image of Sister Geneviève-Josèphe, head bowed in prayer before Pope Francis’s coffin, resonated deeply. In a setting governed by strict rules, her quiet act of devotion spoke volumes. Security personnel typically usher mourners along, preventing any pauses before the pontiff’s body. But for this nun, an exception was made. the reason, as the story unfolds, is as surprising as it is touching.
A Letter of Outrage:
The friendship between Sister Geneviève-Josèphe and Pope Francis didn’t begin with admiration. In fact,it started with a letter filled with anger. As Emily Stout, a fellow member of the Little Sisters of Jesus, explains, Sister Geneviève-Josèphe was deeply troubled by then-Archbishop Bergoglio‘s actions (or perceived inaction) regarding the “disappeared” during Argentina’s brutal military dictatorship.The pain was intensely personal. Sister Geneviève-Josèphe is the niece of Lèonie Duquet, a French nun who was kidnapped and murdered by the Argentine regime in 1977 for her human rights activism. Duquet’s body wasn’t identified until 2005.
“She was very upset with Bergoglio and sent him a letter letting him know,” Stout told BBC Mundo.
A Contentious Phone Call:
Sister Geneviève-Josèphe felt the Church hadn’t done enough to honor her aunt and the other victims. She was particularly upset by the lack of episcopal portrayal at her aunt’s burial. In 2005, when Bergoglio visited Rome, she wrote to him, expressing her grievances and including her phone number.”He called me, and I thought, ‘What have I done?'” she recalled in a video shared by her order.
bergoglio explained that he had allowed the disappeared to be buried around the church. But Sister Geneviève-Josèphe remained unconvinced. “That’s not enough,” she told him. “You should have been there for the people who suffered so much.The Church had to be present, and it wasn’t.”
after a moment of silence, Bergoglio replied, “Thank you, my sister, this is how we should speak to each other as brothers and sisters.”
From Fear to Friendship:
When Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis in 2013, Sister Geneviève-Josèphe was initially apprehensive. However, her fears were quickly allayed. Just a month after his election, she was invited to a Mass at the Santa Marta residence, where the Pope lived. “After the Mass, the Pope welcomed us and kissed me,” she said.
She was deeply moved by his words about wanting a “poor Church, for the poor.” “I started to cry because my aunt had died for that, for the poor,” she said. “And I thought, finally something is going to change.”
A Pope Among the Carnival Workers:
Over time, their bond deepened. Sister Geneviève-Josèphe regularly attended the Pope’s wednesday audiences. Remarkably, Pope Francis also visited her – twice – at Luna Park, a fairground outside Rome where she lives and ministers to carnival workers.
“I didn’t think you had the Blessed Sacrament in the trailer,” the pope reportedly said,surprised by her simple living conditions.
During the pandemic, Sister Geneviève-Josèphe even leveraged her connection with the Pope to secure food and supplies for the struggling fairground community.
A final Farewell:
The image of Sister Geneviève-Josèphe at Pope Francis’s funeral is a testament to an extraordinary relationship – one that transcended protocol and expectations. It’s a story of how anger can transform into understanding, and how a shared commitment to justice and the poor can forge an unbreakable bond, even between a Pope and a humble nun. Her silent vigil was not just a farewell, but a powerful symbol of the Pope’s legacy and the enduring power of human connection.
The Nun, the Pope, and an unlikely Friendship: An Expert’s Outlook
Time.news Editor: The image of Sister Geneviève-Josèphe Jeanningros at Pope Francis’s funeral has captivated the world [[2]]. Her presence seemed to defy protocol. To understand the meaning of this moment, we’ve spoken with Dr. Alistair Reed, a professor of religious studies specializing in contemporary Catholicism. Dr. Reed, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Alistair Reed: My pleasure.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Reed, what’s your initial reaction to the story of Sister Geneviève-Josèphe and Pope francis?
Dr. Alistair Reed: It’s a profoundly human story. It highlights the pontiff’s dedication to the marginalized [[1]] and how deeply personal relationships can transcend even the highest echelons of power. The pope’s willingness to engage with someone who initially challenged him speaks volumes.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions that Sister Geneviève-Josèphe’s initial contact with then-Archbishop Bergoglio was a letter of outrage related to her aunt, Lèonie Duquet, who was one of the “disappeared” in Argentina. How does this context shape our understanding of their subsequent friendship?
Dr. Alistair Reed: It’s crucial. Sister Geneviève-Josèphe wasn’t just expressing personal grief; she was voicing a broader concern about the Church’s role during a dark period in Argentine history. Her anger stemmed from a deep desire for justice for victims of human rights abuses. The fact that bergoglio listened, and didn’t dismiss her concerns, is realy vital.
Time.news Editor: It’s surprising to learn that their relationship began with such a contentious exchange. What does this reveal about Pope Francis’s character and leadership style?
Dr. Alistair Reed: It showcases his commitment to dialogue, even when faced with criticism [[3]]. He wasn’t afraid of being challenged. His response – “Thank you, my sister, this is how we should speak to each other as brothers and sisters” – really exemplifies his view of the Church as a place for open and honest dialogue, a true community.
Time.news Editor: The article also mentions that Pope Francis visited Sister Geneviève-Josèphe at Luna Park, where she ministers to carnival workers. This seems quite unconventional.
Dr. Alistair reed: Absolutely.That’s a powerful image.It reinforces Pope Francis’s focus on serving those on the margins of society. His gesture demonstrates his belief that the Church should be present where the poor are,that it shouldn’t be confined to the Vatican or grand cathedrals.
Time.news Editor: What broader lessons can we draw from this story, particularly regarding the Pope’s legacy?
Dr. Alistair Reed: I think the story exemplifies Pope Francis’s legacy. He advocated for a Church that actively supports and engages with the marginalized. His friendship with Sister Geneviève-Josèphe is a symbol of his commitment to breaking down barriers and building bridges with those who felt excluded or forgotten. It is all about showing faith by honoring individual experiences and prioritizing honesty.That final farewell was a testament to a powerful human connection.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Reed, thank you for sharing your insights with us.
Dr. Alistair Reed: Thank you for having me.
