In the first gathering of its kind outside of the United States, every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leadership gathered at the dedication of the Rome Temple
ROME, Italy — On Monday, every member of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered together in the visitors center of the newly dedicated Rome Temple.
This is the first time a gathering like this has happened outside the United States.
The first members of the Church in Italy came shortly after the first missionaries showed up in 1850 one of which was Elder Lorenzo Snow who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and would later become the faith’s prophet and president.
Sunday was the cornerstone ceremony and first dedicatory session for the Rome Temple, and Monday and Tuesday those services will continue.
“These members of the Church will prosper, the country will prosper, neighboring nations will prosper. The effect will be incalculably great,” said President Nelson.
On Saturday, President Nelson and Pope Francis had a meeting — the first time two leaders of these two worldwide religions have met in person.
President Nelson has associated with many Church members in Europe for decades as an apostle.
“So for me, it was a homecoming. It’s like meeting family that you haven’t seen for a long time,” he said.
The Rome Italy temple becomes the 162nd in the world.