Molly McGovern, the daughter of Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern, died abruptly in April after experiencing sickness at a meal with friends while on vacation in Italy.

The 23-year-old college student died on April 23 in Assisi, Italy, after being queasy while dining with friends, according to The Boston Globe’s new interview with her father, published on Wednesday, May 7.

Her funeral was conducted on Saturday, May 3, at St. Bernard’s Church in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The source also spoke with the lawmaker in a phone interview days before the funeral, where he reiterated her affection for the Pope and vulnerable communities: “She’d also be saying, ‘What’s the deal?'” “Why can’t women become cardinals?”

McGovern, 65, spoke with the Globe before Molly’s burial, emphasizing her admiration for Pope Francis and vulnerable populations. “She would also be asking, ‘What’s the deal?” Why can’t women become cardinals?” McGovern, whose district encompasses much of central Massachusetts, explained.

When Molly was younger, a priest asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up, and she replied, ‘I want to be a cardinal.’ McGovern recalls.

Molly attended Northeastern University in Boston, where she studied political science and government with a concentration on international affairs, according to her LinkedIn page.

Just after her 18th birthday, Molly received a rare malignancy diagnosis. Those who knew her best claimed she lived her final five years to the utmost.

“Her everyday necklace was a St. Francis medallion,” Molly’s mother, Lisa McGovern, stated during the eulogy.

“She had a great 23 years, but who would have thought the last five years would be the best?” Lisa said. “There were little miracles everywhere.”

Molly was well-known for her travels across the world, including stops in Tasmania, Washington, D.C., Australia, and Rome.

She has also been acquainted with the Pelosi family in recent years, sending cards to Paul Pelosi, the husband of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, when he was beaten at home in 2022.

Molly and Pelosi, 85, were messaging on the day she died, discussing the former US House Speaker’s plans to fly to Italy for Pope Francis’ burial.

“I believe his holiness, who was so pious, desired another angel in paradise,” and that would be Molly, because she was so good,” Nancy said to Jim after his daughter died, according to the Globe.