“Your Holiness, pleased to meet you.”
This is how Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints greeted Pope Francis.
He and other Mormon leaders met the pope on the occasion of the dedication of their temple in Rome, Italy.
It was a never-before-seen meeting of its kind, that strove to highlight similarities instead of differences.
RUSSELL M. NELSON
President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“So that's one of the many things we share in common with you.”
The leaders didn't come empty-handed. They brought a porcelain model of an original sculpture.
RUSSELL M. NELSON
President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
'The gift we have is from Spain. It's done by a Danish sculptor, who came to Italy to learn how to do sculpture.'
They also gave the pope their official piece stressing the purpose and importance of family.
The leaders then showed Pope Francis their new temple, the first Mormon temple in the city.
RUSSELL M. NELSON
President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“We have a temple and housing. So that's why we're here.”
“We're very honored to meet with you.”
The pope concluded the meeting giving them the 2019 medallions as a token of his appreciation.
There are 16 million Mormons in the world. The Vatican does not exactly consider it a Christian denomination, such as Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant, because they have a different concept of baptism, and have the Book of Mormon, instead of the Bible.
