“I Loved Pope Francis”: Katie McGrady’s Raw, Candid Reflection from Catholic Motherhood to Media Frontlines

When Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday during the Jubilee Year of Hope, the world stopped—and so did a family trip to Rome.

In this deeply personal episode of Like A Mother, host Katie McGrady opens her heart to share the intimate, real-time journey of processing the death of Pope Francis. From receiving the call to cover his funeral for CNN and SiriusXM, to breaking the news to her young daughters, Katie invites listeners into the sacred tension of grief, history, and motherhood.

She shares behind-the-scenes moments from covering the Vatican, her family’s original plans to attend the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, and her unforgettable personal encounter with Pope Francis himself.

This is more than Catholic commentary—this is a moment of memory, motherhood, and meaning. Tune in as Katie reflects on:

• The emotional impact of Pope Francis’ death
• How her daughter’s quiet faith reframed their family’s journey
• The beauty of apostolic succession—and how to talk about it with your kids
• The Church’s unique ability to blend grief with mission

A heartfelt episode about faith, family, and what comes next for the Catholic Church.

An OSV Podcasts original. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.