April 26, 2025, 10:23 a.m. ET
The honor of delivering the first reading at Pope Francis’ funeral Mass on Saturday was bestowed upon Kielce Gussie, an American journalist with Vatican News. This poignant moment allowed her to express a heartfelt farewell to the beloved pontiff amidst a sea of mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
With a strong and resonant voice, Gussie read a passage from Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-43—one personally selected by Pope Francis for this sacred occasion. Reflecting on her experience, she shared on social media, “It’s a great way to say goodbye” to the spiritual leader.
At just 28 years old, Gussie hails from Florida and is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland where she earned a degree in theology. She relocated to Rome in 2019, eventually joining the Vatican News team, which was established by Francis to enhance ecclesiastical news coverage.
In her remarks made just outside St. Peter’s Basilica before the service, Gussie expressed gratitude for the opportunity despite the somber circumstances. She recalled her last interaction with the pontiff as a memorable birthday blessing, making this poignant farewell even more significant for her. “It’s really a special way to spend my birthday,” she stated.
As a journalist embedded in the heart of the Vatican, Gussie's perspective on the final days of Pope Francis reveals the emotional turmoil of watching a beloved figure grow frail, noting, “He gave everything until the end.” Her tribute at the funeral reflects not just a professional mission, but a deeply personal connection to the life and work of Pope Francis.
The honor of delivering the first reading at Pope Francis’ funeral Mass on Saturday was bestowed upon Kielce Gussie, an American journalist with Vatican News. This poignant moment allowed her to express a heartfelt farewell to the beloved pontiff amidst a sea of mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
With a strong and resonant voice, Gussie read a passage from Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-43—one personally selected by Pope Francis for this sacred occasion. Reflecting on her experience, she shared on social media, “It’s a great way to say goodbye” to the spiritual leader.
At just 28 years old, Gussie hails from Florida and is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland where she earned a degree in theology. She relocated to Rome in 2019, eventually joining the Vatican News team, which was established by Francis to enhance ecclesiastical news coverage.
In her remarks made just outside St. Peter’s Basilica before the service, Gussie expressed gratitude for the opportunity despite the somber circumstances. She recalled her last interaction with the pontiff as a memorable birthday blessing, making this poignant farewell even more significant for her. “It’s really a special way to spend my birthday,” she stated.
As a journalist embedded in the heart of the Vatican, Gussie's perspective on the final days of Pope Francis reveals the emotional turmoil of watching a beloved figure grow frail, noting, “He gave everything until the end.” Her tribute at the funeral reflects not just a professional mission, but a deeply personal connection to the life and work of Pope Francis.
