In brief
During Pope Francis’ funeral Mass in Vatican City, Kielce Gussie made her mark by reading scripture that held deep meaning for the Catholic community, sharing her personal reflections and memories of the late pontiff.
The funeral for Pope Francis was held outside St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of mourners gathered to commemorate his legacy. In a poignant ceremony, the first reading was delivered by Kielce Gussie, an American journalist with Vatican News, who expressed her gratitude for being able to participate in such a significant moment.Gussie, who hails from Florida and holds a theology degree from Mount St. Mary’s University, shared both her honor and emotional tie to the occasion through social media before the Mass. She read from the Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-43, a passage chosen by the pontiff that underscores themes of acceptance and unity within the church.Reflecting on her relationship with Pope Francis, Gussie recounted how the last encounter she had with him was filled with warmth as he blessed her on her birthday, emphasizing the personal connection she felt amidst the large crowd. She expressed that witnessing the pope’s decline in health was difficult but recognized his unwavering dedication to his role until the very end.Gussie began her work in Rome in 2019 and later joined Vatican News, part of Francis' vision to enhance the media's coverage of the Church. Her heartfelt tribute at the funeral served both as a goodbye to a spiritual leader and as an affirmation of the values he represented to the global Catholic community.
