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 his homily at the pope's funeral, Cardinal Re described Pope Francis as a "pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone."

The funeral service for Pope Francis, remembered as a champion of the poor and for his efforts to reshape the Catholic Church, is underway on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.