Display opens marking Pope John Paul II's 1979 Iowa visit

Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES – State historical officials are marking the 30

^th

anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Iowa.

“Remembering Pope John Paul II: The Iowa Visit 1979” is a display opening Friday at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines that showcases the pope's visit to Iowa 30 years ago.

The one-case display features memorabilia from the pope's October 1979 stop in Iowa. Included are photographs, souvenir medals, gifts, newspapers and other items, including a commemorative medallion on loan from The Diocese of Des Moines. A video featuring film footage of the visit will be shown on a continuous loop as part of the display.

“More than 350,000 people gathered at Living History Farms to see Pope John Paul II,” said Cyndi Pederson, director of the state Department of Cultural Affairs. “The visit is believed to be the largest single gathering of Iowans in the state's history and included an ecumenical service followed by a celebration of Mass.”

During his trip to Iowa, Pope John Paul II also stopped at St. Patrick's Church at Irish Settlement in Madison County, the only rural church he visited on his first trip to the United States as pope.

Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005, was leader of the Roman Catholic Church for less than a year when he visited Iowa.

The display will run through Nov. 20 at the State Historical Museum at 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines. Admission is free and open to the public. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday Noon-4:30 p.m.