In a heartfelt interview days later, Sister Geneviève described Francis as “a father, a friend, and a brother,” revealing that she had returned daily to his coffin, not only to grieve herself but on behalf of others who had loved him from afar. One of her most cherished memories was introducing the Pope to Laura Esquibel, a transgender woman from Paraguay who had formed a warm relationship with Francis over multiple meetings. Since the funeral,
Geneviève has stepped away from public attention, overwhelmed by the depth of her loss. “I liked him a lot, that’s it,” she said, declining further interviews. As more than 250,000 mourners passed through St. Peter’s Basilica and world leaders gathered in the square, it was not the pomp but the simple, human moments — like Sister Geneviève’s quiet defiance and deep love — that truly defined the farewell. Her final tribute echoed the legacy Francis leaves behind: tender, radical, and deeply human.