Iowa PBS presents The Pope’s Visit to Iowa

In October 1979, Pope John Paul II made his first trip to the United States as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. A passionate invitation written by one Iowa farmer caught the attention of the Holy Father, setting in motion a breathtaking and unprecedented event for the state. The Pope’s Visit to Iowa, a new documentary from Iowa PBS, will premiere Monday, October 7 at 8 p.m. and be rebroadcast on Tuesday, October 15 at 10:30 p.m. It will also be available to stream on iowapbs.org and on the PBS app.

“In the documentary, there's a part where Marty Jorgensen, the filmmaker, describes what it was like when the helicopter first shows up and everything just becomes more reverent. He couldn't be more right,” said Iowa PBS producer John Torpy. “I still remember seeing that helicopter on the horizon, and all of a sudden the clouds parted. It warmed up and it just became like the most peaceful place on earth. I hope I did the moment justice because you can't describe it.”

The Des Moines Roman Catholic Diocese hired a filmmaker to document preparations for the first visit by a Pope to the state of Iowa. The film was made available to Iowa PBS to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Pope’s visit. Meet several people involved in the film and the event for a unique look at the history behind the logistical and spiritual planning it took for such a momentous event.

Iowans interested in seeing the documentary before the Iowa PBS broadcast are invited to Living History Farms for a premiere screening on September 30. Guided tours of the Church of the Land will be available beginning at 5 p.m. with refreshments served in the visitor center. The film will begin in the visitor center at 6 p.m.

Parking at Living History Farms is available in the paved lots to the south and east of the visitor center, with overflow parking on the front lawn. Guests who do not wish to walk from the visitor center to the Church of the Land (about 1/5 mile on boardwalk and dirt/gravel path) should call 515.278.5286 in advance to arrange parking at the Church of the Land.

A short discussion will follow the hour-long premiere, including Iowa PBS producer John Torpy and individuals featured in the documentary: David Oman, press secretary for Gov. Robert Ray; Marty Jorgensen, filmmaker; Monsignor Bognanno; and Gen. Harold "Tommy" Thompson.

For more information and to register for this free event, visit iowapbs.org/events.