ALBAWABA - Many were puzzled on Wednesday after a woman broke Vatican protocol by walking through the crowded nave of St. Peter's Basilica, where cardinals, bishops, and local and foreign clerics were gathered to get a final look at Pope Francis.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, due to a stroke at the age of 88, according to the Vatican. His funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26.
On Wednesday, about 20,000 people visited St. Peter's Basilica to say goodbye to the Argentine pontiff in the presence of cardinals and priests escorting the coffin, according to the Vatican.
A French Nun looking at Pope Francis' coffin. (X)
About 48,600 people paid a tribute to Francis since Wednesday morning, until 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
Woman breaks Vatican protocols to get final look at Pope Francis:
Amid the very long line that was seen outside the church, where people and lovers stood for hours to pay tribute to the pope, one woman was able to cross the line and break the protocols and get a closer look at Pope Francis' body.
The woman paused and gazed for a longer period than necessary at the coffin in which the Pope's body lay.
From the whispers of a few of those present who knew her, the news reached the rest, including media personnel, who mentioned that the woman is a French nun of Argentine origin.
Media confirmed that she is an old friend of the Pope, and her name is Geneviève Jeanningros. The nun is seven years younger than Francis, and she was the only one allowed by the Vatican's protocol department to reach the ropes that marked the area close to the coffin.
