On Tuesday 13th May, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Italy made a special visit to St Peter’s Church in Clerkenwell, one of London’s oldest and most iconic places of worship for the Italian community, in order “ to celebrate the enduring cultural and historical ties between the United Kingdom and Italy.”
Members of the APPG, including MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, were given a guided tour of the church—established in 1863—and learned about its pivotal role in supporting the Italian diaspora in the UK for over 160 years. The visit included a meeting with parish leaders and representatives from the local Italian community.
“This historic church – Alberto Costa MP, Co-Chair of the APPG, said – is not only a place of worship, but also a powerful symbol of the deep and enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Italy.
The APPG Italy is a cross-party group of UK Parliamentarians dedicated to fostering closer relations between the United Kingdom and Italy, promoting cultural exchange and encouraging dialogue on key policy areas and was joined at the Church by the Italian Deputy Head of Mission to the United
Kingdom, Riccardo Smimmo, who said: “The APPG’s visit highlights the importance of fostering cultural understanding and celebrating the contributions of Italians to the fabric of London life”.
“It was a pleasure – Father Andrea Fulco, Parish Priest of St Peter’s Italian Church, said – to be able to welcome members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group to our beautiful Church and to share with them a brief history of St Peter’s Italian Church and its role in the Italian community in London. Although its role has changed over time it has always fostered friendship with all the local community, and even after 162 years it is still the focal point and the spiritual home of many London-Italians. It remains a central hub for religious and cultural gatherings, bringing together the Italian and English communities.”
