A Temple in Rome, Italy

A Temple for Rome Ashton Carrington

October 4, 2008 is a day that every Italian member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will remember. In the first session of the 178th General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson announced the building of a temple in Rome, Italy.

The Church has had its presence in Italy since 1850 when its first member, Jean Antoine Bosc, was baptised. Over a period of four years the Church grew from only one member to 221. The Church was the organized into three different branches residing in Angrogne, St. Germain and St. Bartholomew. It was at this time that the Book of Mormon was first printed in Italian.

The strength of the Church didn't stay in Italy for very long. In 1860 Church leaders asked that all Italian members migrate from Italy to Utah in the United States. With few members remaining, the Italian mission was officially closed. Italy would have to wait another 80 years for that mission to be re-opened.

The Church's second growth in Italy began with Vicenzo di Francesca when he found a beat up, burnt copy of the Book of Mormon that was missing the cover. But Francesca believed the book to be true and joined the Church in 1951, bringing the gospel back to Italian soil.

The Church now has three missions covering Italy in Rome, Padova and Catania. Today there are over 22,600 members in Italy and 102 different congregations. The members are ready and eager to welcome the building of the Rome, Italy temple.