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It's been more than 150 years since the first Italian citizens were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now, we have over 24,000 members, 98 congregations, two missions and a temple being built there.
Until recently, the Church was only recognized as a charitable institution in Italy. Now, after decades-long negotiations, the Italian government has granted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints official status as a church and partner of the state.
This legal status gives the church greater freedom to do more good--both as a church and as a social institution. It will also help smooth the process for obtaining visas for missionaries going there.
