Hello from Italy!

I’m Margo. And I’m Paolo. We’re traveling around the world to learn about children of God. Join us as we visit Italy!

Italy is in southern Europe. On a map, it looks kind of like a boot! More than 60 million people live there.

Do you know how to say “I am a child of God” in Italian? Sono un figlio di Dio. This girl is reading the Book of Mormon in Italian.

Many kids in Italy come home from school to eat with their families during pausa pranzo—lunch break. They might have pasta or rice and meat and vegetables.

Before dinner, many Italian families like to go for an evening stroll, or passeggiata. They wear nice clothes and walk around the plaza together. They might even stop for some gelato—Italian ice cream. Mmmm!

Most Italian people belong to the Catholic church. While some of their beliefs are different from ours, they believe in Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

This month, a temple is opening in Rome! It was announced in the October 2008 general conference. This will be Italy’s first temple.

“I know that Jesus lives and that He guides the prophets. It’s very important to go to church so that we can learn more about Jesus. I have started reading the Book of Mormon every day because I would like to know more things about the gospel.”

Lorenzo B., age 7, Piedmont, Italy

“When I am near the temple, I think about Jesus and I feel excited. Finally we won’t have to drive 12 hours to get to the temple. Now I will be able to get to the temple in just 50 minutes! When I turn 12, I will be able to go and do baptisms in the temple.”

Olivia G., age 8, Lazio, Italy

Thanks for exploring Italy with us. See you next time! Ciao!