The funeral of Pope Francis was marked by an emotional first reading by American journalist Kielce Gussie, reflecting on her personal connection to the late pontiff.
Kielce Gussie Delivers Tribute at Pope Francis' Funeral Mass
Kielce Gussie Delivers Tribute at Pope Francis' Funeral Mass
Kielce Gussie, a reporter for Vatican News, honors Pope Francis during his funeral with a significant reading from the Bible.
The funeral for Pope Francis, held outside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, drew thousands of mourners on Saturday. Among the attendees was Kielce Gussie, an American reporter working with Vatican News since October, who had the honor of delivering the first reading for the Mass.
Using a strong and resonant voice, Ms. Gussie conveyed the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-43, a Bible passage selected by Pope Francis that bears significant importance to Catholics.
Expressing her sentiments on social media, the 28-year-old Florida native described the opportunity as a profound way to bid farewell to the beloved pontiff. "I’m really happy to be here because it’s a great way to say goodbye," she stated outside St. Peter’s Basilica before the solemn service.
Gussie, who graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland with a degree in theology, began her career in Rome in 2019. In a touching moment, she recounted that her last encounter with Pope Francis was on her birthday when he bestowed a little blessing upon her. “It’s really a special way to spend my birthday,” she reflected.
Reflecting on Pope Francis' health, she noted it was difficult to witness his decline in strength over recent days, yet emphasized his dedication by saying, “he gave everything until the end.”
As the world remembers Pope Francis, Gussie's heartfelt tribute served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact he had during his tenure.
