On April 26, 2025, Kielce Gussie, an American journalist, honored Pope Francis as she delivered the inaugural reading during his funeral Mass in Vatican City.
The American Honoring Pope Francis: Kielce Gussie Delivers First Reading at His Funeral
The American Honoring Pope Francis: Kielce Gussie Delivers First Reading at His Funeral
Kielce Gussie, a Vatican News reporter, pays tribute to Pope Francis during his funeral Mass by delivering the first reading, marking a momentous farewell.
April 26, 2025, 10:23 a.m. ET
The funeral for Pope Francis outside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday was marked by a momentous occasion. Kielce Gussie, an American reporter with Vatican News, had the distinguished honor of delivering the first reading at the Mass. Gussie expressed her sentiments on social media, describing the moment as “a great way to say goodbye” to the beloved pontiff.
In a powerful voice, Ms. Gussie read from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43, a verse selected by Pope Francis himself for its deep significance within the Catholic faith. The reading resonated with the thousands of mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square. At 28 years old and originally from Florida, Gussie graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland with a degree in theology. Her career in Rome began in 2019, culminating in her role at Vatican News last October—a news agency established by Francis to enhance the church’s media presence.
Outside St. Peter’s Basilica on the day of the Mass, Gussie shared her emotions about the event, stating, “I’m really happy to be here because it’s a great way to say goodbye to Pope Francis.” She reminisced about her last encounter with the pope, which occurred on her birthday when he offered her a blessing, making the experience even more special. Reflecting on Francis's health decline in his later days, she remarked, “he gave everything until the end,” emphasizing the dedication he showed throughout his papacy.
The funeral for Pope Francis outside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday was marked by a momentous occasion. Kielce Gussie, an American reporter with Vatican News, had the distinguished honor of delivering the first reading at the Mass. Gussie expressed her sentiments on social media, describing the moment as “a great way to say goodbye” to the beloved pontiff.
In a powerful voice, Ms. Gussie read from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43, a verse selected by Pope Francis himself for its deep significance within the Catholic faith. The reading resonated with the thousands of mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square. At 28 years old and originally from Florida, Gussie graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland with a degree in theology. Her career in Rome began in 2019, culminating in her role at Vatican News last October—a news agency established by Francis to enhance the church’s media presence.
Outside St. Peter’s Basilica on the day of the Mass, Gussie shared her emotions about the event, stating, “I’m really happy to be here because it’s a great way to say goodbye to Pope Francis.” She reminisced about her last encounter with the pope, which occurred on her birthday when he offered her a blessing, making the experience even more special. Reflecting on Francis's health decline in his later days, she remarked, “he gave everything until the end,” emphasizing the dedication he showed throughout his papacy.
