Pope Francis' Funeral: American Journalist Kelsey Gussy to Lead First Reading

End of Public Viewing and Funeral Preparations

• 😔 Three days of public viewing for Pope Francis have concluded, with approximately 250,000 mourners paying their respects.
• 🔒 Funeral preparations are underway, involving the deployment of over 2,000 police officers and 1,500 soldiers for security.
• 🏛️ The tomb is being prepared behind a wooden barrier at St. Mary Major Basilica for a private burial.

Kelsey Gussy's Role in the Funeral

• 📰 Kelsey Gussy, a 28-year-old journalist for Vatican News, has been chosen to perform the first reading at the funeral.
• 🌟 Gussy described the selection as a "huge honor" and shared her experience practicing the reading in St. Peter's Square.
• 💖 She recalled meeting Pope Francis twice, remembering him not just as the head of the Church, but as a caring grandfather figure.

Dignitaries and Final Sendoff

• 🌍 Gussy will share the platform with international dignitaries, including Prince William and President Trump.
• 🎗️ Following the funeral mass, a procession will carry the coffin to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
• 🙏 The final sendoff will include representatives from marginalized communities such as prisoners, transgender people, victims of sex trafficking, and unhoused people, reflecting Francis's focus on the needy.

Post-Funeral Observances

• ✝️ On Sunday, Cardinal Dolan and 200 other cardinals will visit the papal tomb at St. Mary Major.
• 🕊️ They will gather in a chapel housing Francis's favorite religious icon and pray the rosary in his honor.