Kielce Gussie, a 28-year-old journalist from Florida, had the incredible opportunity to deliver the first reading at Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday. She learned just three days before the event that she would be taking on this significant role. Initially overwhelmed, Gussie quickly recognized the honor of participating in such a historic occasion.
Gussie writes for Vatican News, the official news outlet of the Catholic Church. She has a strong educational background, having earned a degree in theology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland and a degree in church communication from the Pontifical University in Rome.
At the funeral, held in St. Peter’s Square, Gussie read from the Acts of the Apostles in front of a crowd of around 250,000 mourners. She expressed her gratitude, stating that this moment was a way for her to say thank you to Pope Francis for his impact on her life.
Her connection to the late pope is personal. Gussie met him twice, once on her birthday, and he even blessed her rosary beads. She fondly remembers him not just as the leader of the Catholic Church but as a caring figure who treated everyone with kindness.
On her Instagram, Gussie shares her passion for the Catholic faith, aiming to bring its beauty to a wider audience. Her heartfelt remarks about Pope Francis reflect a deep appreciation for his legacy and the warmth he brought to his interactions with people. As the world mourns the loss of the pope, Gussie’s role at the funeral highlights the personal connections that many have felt towards him.
