St. George, Oct. 30 (askanews) – Utah is the state most closely associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, historically known as the Mormon Church. In 2025, it had approximately 2,21 million members in the state, while a 2022 state survey indicated 47,7% of them were affiliated. This influence is not limited to the religious sphere, but extends across families, schools, the economy, and political life. In southern Utah, the landscape of canyons, red rocks, and deserts coexists with a very recent religious colonization.
St. George was founded in 1861, when Church officials sent 309 families to the so-called "Cotton Mission," with the goal of making the community self-sufficient in cotton production. The city became the seat of Washington County in 1863, and its temple was dedicated in 1877, the first Mormon temple completed in western Utah. Today, St.
George is a rapidly growing city, attractive for its climate, nature, and tourism, but the connection between economic development and Mormon identity remains evident. Local history tells of a community built on voluntary work and sacrifice, unattractive to those who don't share its values and customs, but unique in some ways, starting with free university tuition for residents (based on income, ed.). Relations with the Vatican and Italy are a more recent chapter.
In 2019, Church President Russell M. Nelson met with Pope Francis after the dedication of the Mormon temple in Rome, the first in Italy, designed to house approximately 27 Italian faithful. The Holy See had supported the project, and the two churches collaborate on issues such as religious freedom, humanitarian work, and refugee reception. A cordial dialogue, but obviously not a doctrinal convergence. Report by Cristina Giuliano Editing by Alessandra Franco Images askanews
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