American Journalist, Kielce Gussie, Honored with First Reading at Pope Francis’ Funeral
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An American journalist, Kielce Gussie, has captured global attention after being selected to give the first reading at the funeral of Pope Francis. The touching ceremony took place at St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Saturday, April 26, following the passing of the revered pontiff on April 21.
Gussie, a journalist at Vatican News in Rome, had the distinguished privilege of reading a passage from the Acts of the Apostles, a significant moment honouring the legacy of Pope Francis. The young journalist, aged 28, has been residing in Italy’s capital since 2019, as reported by CBS News.
The news of her participation in the funeral service came just three days before the event on April 23, revealed Inside Edition’s Deborah Norville on her Instagram account. Originally from Florida, Gussie relocated to Maryland for her college education before making her home in Rome. Reflecting on her emotions about speaking at the service, Gussie expressed, “My initial thought was ‘Oh my god’ but then, after I thought ‘this is such a huge honour,’ to be a part of this momentous occasion. Also, for me, it’s such a big way to say thank you to Pope Francis,” according to CBS News.
Having joined Vatican News seven months prior to the funeral, Gussie’s genuine connection with her faith is evident. A devout Catholic, she had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis twice, one of which was on her birthday, creating a cherished personal memory. Recalling their encounter, Gussie shared, “I didn’t see him as the head of the Catholic Church, I saw him as a grandfather. And so for me, I will remember him as someone who really cared for each person that he met.”
Before her tenure at Vatican News, Gussie contributed her journalistic skills at Rome Reports TV News Agency for two years and also served as a production assistant at EWTN in 2020. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The funeral of Pope Francis drew over 250,000 mourners to Rome, including notable figures such as President Donald Trump, Joe and Jill Biden, and Prince William. The Vatican disclosed that Pope Francis succumbed to a cerebral stroke leading to a coma, coupled with irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse on April 21. The pontiff had also been battling with health issues including acute respiratory failure, bilateral multimicrobial pneumonia, multiple bronchiectasis, arterial hypertension, and type II diabetes.
The farewell ceremony for Pope Francis was a sombre yet dignified affair, with his coffin sealed in a private ceremony after countless individuals paid their respects. The global outpouring of grief and admiration for the beloved pope underscored his profound impact on individuals from all walks of life.
As the world mourned the loss of a spiritual leader, the presence of Kielce Gussie, an American journalist, delivering the first reading at the funeral of Pope Francis served as a poignant reminder of the diverse voices that honoured his memory.