Meet the next Des Moines bishop: a philosopher, advocate and self-described 'Iowa guy'

The priest whom Pope Francis selected to replace Des Moines Bishop Richard Pates is an Iowa State Cyclone, a philosophy professor and a self-described "Iowa guy."

The Rev. William Joensen will be the 10th bishop for the capital city diocese. The Iowa State University grad, who attended medical school before being called to the priesthood, addressed Catholics Thursday morning, shortly after the Vatican announced him as bishop-elect.

Later Thursday, Joensen celebrated Mass at a downtown service and ate a meal at a Catholic Charities homeless shelter — the same gesture Pates made when he was appointed to the role 11 years ago.

Joensen said he was initially shocked to get the phone call, less than two weeks ago, that he was being named the next bishop.

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