Iowa Catholic Conference Newsletter, June 22, 2026

Hundreds participate in Iowa March for Life

Thanks to the many of you who participated in the Iowa March for Life on June 20. Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines concluded his opening remarks and prayer with a recitation of “America the Beautiful” and a blessing for everyone in attendance. You can check out some more photos on our Facebook page. Thanks also to the Knights of Columbus for co-sponsoring the event.

New director appointed for Iowa HHS

Gov. Kim Reynolds has accepted the resignation of Iowa Health and Human Services Director Larry Johnson, whose confirmation was blocked by Democrats in the Iowa Senate. She has appointed Kraig Paulsen, Director of the Iowa Department of Management, to also serve as Director of Iowa HHS. Paulsen has appointed Johnson as Principal Deputy Director of HHS.

USCCB marks anniversary of the Dobbs decision

In marking the anniversary of the Supreme Court of the United States’ ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities asks for the intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in building a culture of life.

“The victory of the Dobbs decision risks being undone by the massive influx of abortion pills,” said Bishop Thomas. “What can we do to help protect women and babies from the evil of abortion pills? First, pray for women who are deceived by the abortion industry. Second, share the facts about abortion pills with your friends (see one-pager). Third, take action to help protect women and babies from these dangerous drugs by sending a message to your pharmacy or to pharmaceutical companies that produce these drugs. From mid-August through the end of October, Respect Life Month, the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities will be inviting Catholics to unite in prayer and action.”

A new law takes effect July 1 in Iowa requiring abortion pills to be provided in person by a medical professional.

Bishops consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year, the U.S. bishops marked the American semi-quincentennial with a special Mass consecrating the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Basilica of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando. The bishops’ event was intended to be a catalyst for commemorations of the 250th anniversary at the diocesan and local levels.

Pope visits World Food Program headquarters

VATICAN NEWS - Pope Leo XIV visited the UN World Food Program headquarters in Rome and insisted that food, water, and healthcare cannot be subordinated to geopolitical interests, calling for nations to work together with renewed multilateralism.

“Together, we share the urgent task of confronting hunger and malnutrition, while also tackling the underlying structural causes that sustain them. To meet this task effectively, we must examine the challenges before us, their underlying causes, and the paths toward lasting solutions,” he said.

And finally,

State Sen. Julian Garrett, R-Indianola, has died following a battle with cancer. While we had areas of agreement and disagreement over the years, we found him unfailingly gracious and willing to listen to other perspectives.

Republican Hollie Zajicek and Democrat Sinikka Waugh are the candidates for the November general election in the now-vacant Senate 11. There will not be a special election because the legislature is not scheduled to be in session before then.