The Catholic Morning Show

100 Ways Saint Pope John Paul II Changed the World — Patrick Novacosky

Episode Summary

Catholic author Patrick Novecosky joins Deacon Mark Campbell to explore the sweeping legacy of Saint Pope John Paul II through the lens of his book 100 Ways Saint Pope John Paul II Changed the World. From revolutionizing papal travel to his iconic 1979 visit to a farm in Urbandale, Iowa, the conversation highlights how this beloved pope forever transformed the Catholic Church and the world. Listeners also get a preview of Patrick's upcoming book on the extraordinary friendship between Saint Pope John Paul II and Saint Mother Teresa.

Episode Notes

Patrick Novecosky, author of 100 Ways Saint Pope John Paul II Changed the World (published by Our Sunday Visitor), sits down with Deacon Mark Campbell for a wide-ranging conversation on the saint's enduring impact. Highlights include:

• The Book: Written to commemorate John Paul II's 100th birthday in May 2020, the book began as a "Top 10" list and grew to 100 entries. Still selling strong six years after publication.
• Papal Travel: Before John Paul II, popes rarely left the Vatican — let alone Italy. Paul VI's 1965 UN visit to New York City was considered astounding. John Paul II changed everything, driven by his passion for the New Evangelization.
• Iowa's Historic Moment: In October 1979, Iowa farmer Joe Hayes wrote a letter inviting the Pope to Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa (near Des Moines). The Pope accepted, drawing 350,000 people — still the largest single gathering in Iowa state history. Living History Farms is open to visitors today.
• Russia & China Outreach: Though John Paul II was never able to visit Russia or China, Mikhail Gorbachev personally invited him to Russia. He used his proximity — broadcasting into China from neighboring countries — and deputized Saint Mother Teresa to open a Missionaries of Charity home in Moscow.
• Friendship with Mother Teresa: Their collaboration is one of the 100 entries in the book, and the subject of Patrick's forthcoming fall 2026 release.

Patrick's books and upcoming releases can be explored further at IowaCatholicRadio.com. Tune in weekdays at 7 AM Central on the Iowa Catholic Radio Network.

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