Reason crying nun was allowed to break protocol at Pope Francis' funeral

Pope Francis' funeral took place on Saturday (April 26), with over 250,000 people lining the streets of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Pope Francis sadly passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. He had been suffering from ill-health, with his cause of death confirmed as a stroke followed by heart failure.

Since his passing earlier this week, officials have been busy preparing for his funeral, meanwhile world leaders from across the globe have travelled to Rome to pay their respects to the late Pontiff.

At the service on Saturday, many became emotional as they said goodbye to Pope Francis, including a nun who was permitted to break protocol.

French-Argentine nun, Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, was captured standing in a restricted area near to the Pope's coffin in St Peter’s Basilica.

Although the area is typically reserved for cardinals, bishops and priests, Sister Jeanningros was permitted as an exception.

This is because she had a close friendship with Pope Francis, that spanned many years.

In a heartbreaking clip, Sister Jeanningros can be seen wiping tears with a tissue as she stands near to the Pontiff's coffin.

People found the clip to be hugely emotional on social media, with one person commenting: "So she should. She was his friend."

While another said: "Our Pope and so happy that Sister Genevieve was allowed to mourn for all of us."

And a third added: "Just wanna give her a hug."

Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, was captured standing in a restricted area near to the Pope's coffin (Vatican Media)

It's been revealed that Pope Francis will be buried with a heartwarming document, along with several other items.

As it's been customary for the Roman Church, the first Latin American Pontiff will be buried alongside an account of his life known as a 'Rogito'.

Written in Ecclesiastical Latin aka the official language of the Catholic Church, the document is known as 'Deed' in English and is sealed inside a metal cylinder, which is then placed in the coffin.

According to Vatican News, the Rogito isn't the only item traditionally buried in the Pope's coffin. Like his predecessors, Pope Francis was laid to rest alongside his pallium - a white, wool vestment worn over the shoulders during ecclesiastical events - as well as coins and medals minted during his pontificate.

Sister Jeanningros was a close friend of Pope Francis (Grzegorz Galazka\Archivio Grzegorz Galazka\Mondadori via Getty Images)

The Holy See Press Office released the entire text of the Rogito in Latin ahead of Francis' Requiem Mass celebrated today (April 26).

In the note, whose English translation was shared by Vatican News, the 266th pontiff was described as a 'simple and much-loved shepherd'.