Who Was the American Who Did the First Reading at Pope Francis’ Funeral Mass?

The honor of delivering the first reading at Pope Francis’ funeral Mass on Saturday fell to Kielce Gussie, an American who works as a reporter with Vatican News.

It was, she said on social media, “a great way to say goodbye” to the pontiff.

In a strong, resonant voice before the many thousands of mourners who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Ms. Gussie read from the Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-43, a Bible verse that Francis chose for the service and that holds large significance for Catholics.