In brief
At the funeral of Pope Francis, Kielce Gussie, a reporter for Vatican News, delivered the first reading, honoring the pope and reflecting on her personal memories and his impact on the Church.
In a profound tribute to Pope Francis, Kielce Gussie was honored to deliver the first reading at the pontiff’s funeral mass held on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Gussie, an American journalist with Vatican News, expressed her gratitude on social media, describing the moment as “a great way to say goodbye” to the pope she greatly admired.Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43, a passage chosen by Pope Francis for this solemn occasion, Gussie's voice resonated deeply with the thousands of mourners who filled St. Peter’s Square. The significance of the reading echoed the values embodied by the late pope, who was revered for his compassionate outreach and dedication to the Church.At just 28 years old, Gussie hails from Florida and has been based in Rome since 2019 after graduating with a degree in theology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland. She joined Vatican News last October, an organization initiated by Pope Francis to enhance the Vatican's media presence. Reflecting on her experience outside the Basilica on the day of the Mass, she remarked, “I’m really happy to be here because it’s a great way to say goodbye to Pope Francis,” highlighting her fondest memory of him blessing her on her birthday.As the world mourns the loss of a transformative leader, Gussie's poignant reading serves as a reminder of Pope Francis' unwavering spirit and the legacy he leaves behind in the hearts of millions. "He gave everything until the end," she said, capturing the essence of a pontiff who dedicated his life to service and faith.
