Pope Francis' farewell blended personal faith with global history, as American journalist Kielce Gussie delivered the first reading at the pontiff's funeral on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square.
The 28-year-old Florida native, now a journalist at Vatican News, read from the Acts of the Apostles before a crowd of over 250,000 mourners, including world leaders like Donald Trump, Joe and Jill Biden, and Prince William.
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Media
Gussie's path to the Vatican began at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in theology. In a 2019 university feature, she expressed her ambition to merge her Catholic faith with media, particularly focusing on youth evangelization, per ABC News.
She interned with Catholic media outlets like EWTN and Catholic Bytes and later obtained a licentiate degree in Church Communication from a pontifical university in Rome.
A Personal Tribute to Pope Francis
Gussie, who joined Vatican News in late 2024, had met Pope Francis twice before his passing. Reflecting on these encounters, she described the pontiff as a grandfatherly figure who genuinely cared for each person he met. For her, being selected to read at his funeral was a profound way to say thank you.
A Historic Farewell
Pope Francis' funeral marked several departures from tradition. He was buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a choice reflecting his humility and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The ceremony, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, featured readings in multiple languages, underscoring the pope's inclusive approach.
Gussie's role in the funeral not only honored Pope Francis but also highlighted the growing presence of young, faith-driven professionals in Catholic media. Her journey from Florida to the Vatican exemplifies a commitment to serving the Church through modern communication channels.
As the Catholic Church enters a new chapter, voices like Gussie's will continue to bridge tradition and contemporary outreach, ensuring that the message of faith resonates with future generations.