Italian president greets leaders
LDS Church News 9Jan99

In a recent concert last summer, the Tabernacle Choir opened many missionary doors for the people of Italy. Italian Republic President Scalfaro met with Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Seventy and president of the Europe West area. The meeting was arranged by Franco Messina, adviser to the Italian president who attended the Tabernacle Choir concert and VIP reception.

President Scalfaro was presented with an inscribed, leather bound copy of the Book of Mormon and a porcelain statue of the family. President Scalfaro has long been a supporter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1993 he was helpful in the Church gaining its legal status.

The recent presentation was attended by Raimondo Castellani, Area Authority Seventy, President Leone J. Flosi of the Italy Rome Mission and Giuseppe Pasta, Public Affairs representative of Italy. Elder Uchtdorf said, "He showed every courtesy and helpful concern for the Church's growth in his country." President Scalfaro reiterated his interest in the Church's support of families by encouraging family and personal prayers.

The growth of the Church in Italy has been seen in recent years with l8,000 members who cover three stakes and four missions. Appreciation was expressed by President Scalfaro for the all of the good that has been offered by the Church and its members in Italy. He also pledged his support to the Church. Concluding the meeting, the officials from the Church viewed the many art treasures of the Quirinale Place, home to the president. Most popular was was the "The Lady with the Ermine," by Leonardo Da Vinci.