Elder Soares Builds Bridges in Mexico with Legislators, Journalists and Faith Leaders

During a recent visit to Mexico, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with journalists, religious leaders, government officials, missionaries and Church members in a series of events focused on dialogue, shared values, service and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At the Mexico Missionary Training Center (MTC) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 28, 2026, Elder Soares and Elder Moisés Villanueva of the Church’s Mexico Area Presidency met with several members of the Mexico Senate, including Mexico Senate President Higinio Martínez.

Their conversations focused on religious freedom, civic engagement and ways they can work together to address social challenges.

The lawmakers acknowledged the positive contributions of religious organizations, including the Church of Jesus Christ, in strengthening communities and improving lives.

While at the MTC, the legislators learned about the preparation young missionaries receive before serving around the world. They interacted with missionaries and commended their desire to help others and contribute to society.

The delegation also visited the site of the future Mexico City Benemérito Mexico Temple. Elder Villanueva explained the purpose of temples and shared the architectural rendering of the temple, which was announced in April 2022.

On August 27, the Apostle sat down with well-known media members Mariano Osorio, Manuel Zamacona and Gina Ibarra at the Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center.

Elder Soares shared personal experiences and discussed the Church’s efforts to strengthen families, promote faith and serve communities. He emphasized the positive role religious organizations can play in society through service, moral values and community engagement.

While in Mexico City, Elder Soares also met with Monsignor Ramón Castro, president of the Catholic Mexican Bishops’ Conference and bishop of Cuernavaca. The two leaders exchanged perspectives on issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their respective faith communities’ commitment to strengthening families and communities throughout Mexico.

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In addition to these outreach efforts, Elder Soares and his wife, Rosana, ministered to young people preparing for missionary service. During a devotional broadcast to thousands of youth across Mexico, Sister Soares encouraged future missionaries to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, study the scriptures daily and live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

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“You will never regret serving as a missionary,” she told the youth, inviting them to prepare spiritually through consistent discipleship and personal commitment.

Elder Soares concluded the devotional by inviting the youth to center both their preparation and future missionary service on the Savior’s ministry.

“Learn of Him and gain a testimony of His divinity,” he said. “Centering your life on Jesus Christ provides the foundation needed to become a successful missionary, just as He was, because His life was the perfect example of how to minister to others.”

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On Sunday, August 30, Elder Soares spoke to more than a thousand members of the Church and encouraged them to follow the Savior, especially during times of trial.

After sharing a personal experience, Elder Soares taught that when individuals face difficult situations, they should turn their hearts to Jesus Christ and exercise faith in Him. “Look unto [Him] in every thought; doubt not, fear not. As we center our lives on Jesus Christ and allow Him to be the most powerful influence in our decisions, our discipleship is strengthened and our hearts become more fully united with Him,” he said as he concluded his ministry in Mexico.