The Pope's Visit to Iowa, a person wearing a long white robe and tall, diamond shaped, ornamental hat stands on a small stage before a large crowd.

The Pope's Visit to Iowa Preview

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In 1979, a passionate invitation written by one Iowa farmer caught the attention of Pope John Paul II, setting in motion the first visit by a Pope to the state of Iowa. To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Papal visit, follow along with a historical program highlighting the logistical and spiritual planning process for the Pope’s visit to Iowa.

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Extras

John Torpy, producer of The Pope's Visit to Iowa, sits in front of the Church of the Land alter at Living History Farms.

Producer Interview: The Pope's Visit to Iowa

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John Torpy, producer of The Pope's Visit to Iowa, discusses what it was like to work on a project about a key moment in Iowa's history with its first, and only, papal visit.
The Pope's Visit to Iowa

In October 1979, Pope John Paul II made Iowa one of the stops on his inaugural tour of the U.S. Follow the logistical and spiritual planning process for the Pope’s visit to the Heartland.