In addition to tributes from Presidents Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who served with President Thomas S. Monson in the First Presidency, and from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, many religious, educational, humanitarian and government leaders around the world have extended prayers and condolences in the wake of President Monson’s passing.
Several dozen are below.
His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Catholic Church in the United States wishes to extend to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community our prayers and condolences on the death of President Monson. During his tenure as president, understanding and friendship developed between our two communities on national and local levels. As we engage important questions on family and the dignity of the human person, Catholics and Mormons work together and support each other. Today, Catholics join their Latter-day Saint brothers and sisters in commending his soul to the mercy and love of God.
His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York
Thank you for the sad news of President Monson's passing. I share the esteem you have for him and unite with you in praising God for the gift he was for so many. My condolences and prayerful solidarity.
His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington
At the news of the death of Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I offer my sympathy to you and to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
May God grant President Monson eternal rest and may his merciful love bring consolation and peace to his family and friends and all in the LDS community.
The Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville
It is with great sadness that I receive the news of the passing of President Monson. Please extend my sympathy to his family as well as to the presidency and Quorum of the 12.
I have valued greatly the friendship and spiritual fraternity that has developed over the last three years. I trace its beginning to the time that I shared the stage with Elder Dallin Oaks at the University of Notre Dame. I also expressed my personal greetings to Elder Russell Nelson, who was so welcoming to me when I visited in 2015.
Be assured of my prayers and fraternity.
Father Robert Kickham, Archdiocese of Boston
Thank you very much for providing the notification of President Monson's passing. Please be assured of our prayers for the President's family and loved ones.
The Most Rev. Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco
I send to the entire LDS Church my sincerest condolences. His was a life well lived to an exemplary degree, so we know that he is in a better place. “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” Such wisdom! May we all learn from him.
Please know of my love and esteem for the members of the LDS Church. I deeply appreciate all that you do to help make our nation a better place and treasure the opportunities we have had to collaborate in this most worthy of enterprises.
While I still remember you all in my prayers every day, I will do so with greater fervor during these very eventful days for you.
The Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis, Catholic Bishop of Salt Lake City
[President Monson] has been a good friend and supporter in our mutual efforts to support the common good and care for the most vulnerable both at home and abroad. Catholic Community Services as well as the Good Samaritan Program have benefited from his commitment to the poor. For President Monson, the Sermon on the Mount was not just a platitude but a way of life.
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
AJC stands with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in mourning the passing of Thomas Monson, who served as LDS President since 2008. He was 90.
“President Monson played a key role in deepening Jewish-Mormon relations,” said Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations. [President Monson] had major success in the supervision and expansion of the Church’s welfare program and its humanitarian work and developmental projects around the world to help those in need, regardless of faith.
Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun
May God rest his soul and may He bless all of you to be able to carry on his life’s work.
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President, The New York Board of Rabbis
On behalf of The New York Board of Rabbis, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences on the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. It is said that “God measures the greatness of a person by putting a tape measure not around the head but around the heart.” From all I have read, President Monson was blessed with both a brilliant head and a heart filled with boundless compassion for other people. It is most heartening to know that we are the beneficiaries of his heralded legacy in which he recognized the inclusive importance of people of all faiths.
During the time that I have been privileged to know you and other Mormon leaders, I have been most impressed with the warmth you have accorded members of the Jewish community. I will always value the memories of our group visits to Israel, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City. You treated us like members of an intimate family in keeping with the dream of President Monson.
May we continue to build on the spiritual foundation he established as we demonstrate that people who believe in different faiths can belong to one human family.
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Park East Synagogue New York
Heartfelt condolences on the great loss, the death of LDS President Thomas S. Monson. May his legacy be a blessing. May [Latter-day Saints] be spared from further sorrow and be blessed with a peaceful New Year.
Rabbi Mark Diamond, Professor of Practical Rabbinics, Academy for Jewish Religion in California
I am deeply sorry to learn of President Monson’s passing. I hope and pray that his family and the LDS community will find comfort and solace in his legacy of devoted leadership of the church. May his memory be an inspiration for all those whose lives he touched. Zayher tzaddik livrakha…the memory of the righteous is a blessing.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Thomas S. Monson, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark described Monson as “the embodiment of a lifelong commitment to the church’s mission. He strongly believed in religious freedom and actively traveled the world, addressing tens of thousands of people in countless countries over his half-century of service. His passing is a great loss for the LDS Church and all people of good will.”
Dr. Stuart Halpern, Chief of Staff, Yeshiva University
I wanted to write to you to express my sorrow upon the death of President Monson. … His model of leadership and guidance will leave an indelible impact on the Church. My thoughts and blessings are with you during this challenging time.
Rabbi Benny Zippel, Chabad Lubavitch of Utah
Please accept my most heartfelt, personal condolences on the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. I was lucky enough to have interacted with him personally on a number of occasions and merited to witness firsthand what a God-fearing man he was, abounding in his humility and kindness to fellow man. It is regarding people such as him that the Talmud teaches, “Those whom the spirit of man derives pleasure from, the Spirit of God undoubtedly derives pleasure from.”
Dr. Ella Simmons, General Vice President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
There have been many losses within our sphere recently as well, with the passing of family members of several of our leaders. We all look forward to the time when there will be no more death, weeping, and pains of loss. However, the loss of the world church leader always marks a significant point in time for an international church and the many lives influenced by that leader and the one who will follow in the leadership position. We will pray with you for God’s guidance and your hope for a spiritually prosperous future for your fellowship of believers.
Dr. Ganoune Diop, Director Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, Seventh-day Adventist World Church
I am very sorry for the loss of President Thomas S. Monson. On behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist World church, please accept our sincere condolences.
Please be assured of my loyal friendship and respect and support of your community. The fact that during President Monson’s presidency your Church membership grew from 13 million to more than 16 million members worldwide and that dozens of new temples were announced and dedicated throughout the world is a remarkable tribute to his legacy.
I am a witness of the remarkable achievements God has been able to achieve through the LDS community.
Dr. George Paul Wood, Director of Ministerial Resourcing, Assemblies of God
I saw a news report on the passing of President Monson. He was a good man and leader to the LDS church.
God bless!
Giorgio Raspa, President of the Italian Buddhist Union
I acknowledge with sorrow the passing over of President Thomas S. Monson.
Trusting that we will have the opportunity to strengthen our bond of friendship and esteem which have been always intervening among us, I send my cordial greetings to you with a friendly hug.
Luis Tellez, President, The Witherspoon Institute
My prayers are with all my friends in the LDS Church over the death of your beloved leader, President Monson.
May God continue to guide you in extending God's kingdom.
The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah
I woke up this morning to read the sad news of the death of the LDS prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. What stood out for me about President Monson was the kindness with which he carried out his leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He led his entire flock as well as taking time to minister to individuals.
Under his leadership, the LDS Church generously dedicated themselves to interfaith relationships. They have reached out far beyond their own membership to help in works of compassion to all people in need throughout the world. Here in Utah they have been key supporters of food banks, meal programs, refugee resettlement, and the giving of financial support to many community programs. They were hugely helpful to the Diocese of Utah as we hosted The General Convention of the Episcopal Church. I call upon the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah to join me in praying for President Monson's family and the members of the LDS Church who mourn the loss of their beloved prophet.
Sandra Lucas, President of the Church of Scientology of Utah
On behalf of all the parishioners of the Church of Scientology of Utah, I would like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Prophet Thomas S. Monson was known to millions as a true humanitarian, and his unconditional love for mankind transcended the barriers of faith, color and creed. He led the LDS Church with vision and unwavering resolve and was an inspiration to countless who live a better life because of his.
His own life reflected in words he shared some years ago—words of wisdom that set an example for us all. “Let us have the courage to defy the consensus. The courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval.”
As in times past, we will continue to stand by you as our brothers and sisters, whenever and wherever the need presents itself.
Finally, I cannot think of a better way to express our gratitude for the Prophet’s contribution than through the words of our founder L. Ron Hubbard:
Your people thank you for having lived
Earth is better for you having lived
Men, women and children are alive today
Because you lived
We thank you for coming to us
We do not contest your right to go away
Your debts are paid
This chapter of thy life is shut
Go now and live once more
In happier time and place.
Thank you.
Anwar Khan, President, Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA and its supporters across the world are deeply saddened by the passing of His Eminence Thomas S. Monson, the beloved President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
During his 50-plus years of service and leadership of the Church, President Monson extended an olive branch and helped shed light to the most troubled and impoverished regions of the world.
We thank President Monson for his dedication and love to those who are most in need. Under his leadership, LDS Charities has strived to work with diverse communities of faith and consciousness. Together, our collective communities and humanitarian organizations have made the world a better place.
As Muslims, we are reminded of what Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, stated in the Covenants with Christians of Persia: “All pious believers shall deem it their bounded duty to defend believers and to aid them wherever they may be, whether far or near, and throughout Christendom shall protect the places where they conduct worship, and those where their monks and priests dwell. Everywhere, in mountains, or in the plains, in towns and in waste places, in deserts, and wheresoever they may be, that people shall be protected, both in their faith and in their property, both in the West and in the East, both on sea and land.” President Monson and LDS Charities exemplified this rhetoric by helping those in need in Yemen, in Somalia, and many more places without discrimination of creed and vigorously advocating for religious freedom for all faiths.
As revered by 16 million-plus members of the LDS Church, President Monson’s message was one of engagement, pluralism, faith, charity and sincerity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his three children. May the Almighty have peace and blessings upon him.
Dr. Salman Masud, President, Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake
The Muslim community in Utah is deeply saddened by the loss of the great leader, President Monson, admired for his kind nature and service. Aging is not necessarily essential for greatness, but living effectively is. We will remember him as a compassionate leader whose charitable nature benefitted the needy locally and victims to disasters across the world.
During his tenure, the Muslims always felt Utah to be a warm and welcoming home. I say this to my Mormon brothers and sisters: although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
V. Rev. Archimandrite George Nikas, Dean, Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake
It is truly with brotherly sorrow and genuine concern that I write to you following the passing away of your most beloved and revered 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prophet Thomas S. Monson. As the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Christians of the Greater Salt Lake (Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral/Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church), and on their behalf, I express to you our deepest sympathies and condolences for this most unfortunate time in the life of your church. Be assured that we share in the pain and grief of your Faithful as they mourn the passing of their beloved spiritual leader, as we “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and offer our compassion, understanding and brotherly support to all of you.
It is encouraging to know that President Monson put into practice the words of our Lord who said, “Be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8) in every aspect of his ministry and leadership. Truly, now is the time to join our prayers with all peace-loving Christians of Salt Lake and beyond that our “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3) will be “gracious and full of compassion … and great in mercy” (Psalm 145:8) to the flock who have been left without their leader and who must endure this grief and persevere. I am confident that his vibrant legacy will continue, especially his concern and care for the less fortunate, for many years to come.
Richard Glickstein, President, National Bible Association
I am praying for the LDS leaders and the church about the loss of President Monson. May God give the apostles wisdom about the next leader.
Marco Impagliazzo, President of the Italian Comunità di Sant'Egidio
I would like to express my most profound feelings of closeness with the whole Church who has lost such a great person.
In reading his history I have been profoundly touched by the love he always showed and concretely expressed towards the poor and those in need. He was a man of mercy and a man of unity, indeed he was a man of the Spirit. Our world needs persons like him.
Baroness Emma Nicholson, Chairman of AMAR International Charitable Foundation
I write to offer the sincerest condolences to all in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from all at the AMAR International Charitable Foundation, both in Iraq and in London, at the sad passing of President Monson.
Our deepest sympathies to you all at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lucio Malan, Senator in Milan, Italy
It is a painful loss; however, [President Monson’s] active testimony to the service of the Church and to the neighbor remains very strong. I had the honor to meet with President Monson in Rome during the most beautiful ground-breaking ceremony before starting with the works of the new temple. The Rome Temple itself shall be a visible sign of his work. He was indeed the one who made the announcement of its construction during the 2008 general conference, and those in attendance received the news with big smiles and admiration. I believe that in the future, when remembering President Monson, people will express smiles and gratitude for having had him within us.
Katalin Annamaria Bogyay, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the United Nations
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of President Thomas S. Monson, leader and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is with deep respect that in the name of the Permanent Mission of Hungary to the United Nations, I send our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family of President Monson and all members of the Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Michael B. Surbaugh, Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Thomas S. Monson, the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Monson was a selfless volunteer with a lifelong commitment to the values of Scouting. As the longest-serving member of the BSA National Executive Board, Monson was a cornerstone of the Scouting program. He was the recipient of the organization’s Silver Beaver Award, the prestigious Silver Buffalo Award, the Bronze Wolf—international Scouting’s highest honor—and the Silver Fox Award from Scouts Canada.
We are proud to honor his legacy and ensure that President Monson’s positive impact on our organization will endure for generations through the lessons in leadership that will be passed on to future generations at the Thomas S. Monson Leadership Excellence Complex at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
The Boy Scouts of America extends its sincerest condolences to President Monson’s family and the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donald Trump, President of the United States
Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving for over half a century in the leadership of his church, President Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion. Considered a prophet by the nearly 16 million members of the LDS Church, his message was one of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with his three children and the rest of the Monson family.
Al Gore, Former U.S. Vice President
I send my condolences to the LDS Church and to the family of its leader, Thomas Monson.
Jeff Flake, U.S. Senator from Arizona
There's much that can be said about what President Monson taught us from the pulpit. There is much more to be learned about what he did when he wasn’t speaking: the sick that he visited, the weary he sustained, the jobless he aided, and the homeless he sheltered. Throughout his life, President Monson went ‘to the rescue’ of those in need. He possessed a genuine love for those who are sad, downtrodden and less fortunate.
Dean Heller, U.S. Senator from Nevada
Heartbroken to learn President Thomas Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. Lynne and I send our deepest condolences to his family and loves ones during this hard time.
Orrin Hatch, U.S. Senator from Utah
President Monson’s example of intimate individual ministry underscored what was most remarkable about his leadership. Although he presided over a church of millions, his focus was always on the one. Although tasked with making administrative decisions affecting thousands of people the world over, his lifelong commitment was to serving individuals in need. Although an expert manager, he was first and foremost a disciple of Jesus Christ, a man of a remarkable kindness, unwavering love and preternatural empathy.
Mike Lee, U.S. Senator from Utah
President Thomas S. Monson was a dedicated disciple who spent almost eight decades in the service of his fellow men and his God. He was a strong advocate for Christlike love and the principle of eternal families, and his years as prophet were marked by a massive expansion of the missionary system and the temple network. He led by example, and his messages of love, redemption, and optimism will continue to inspire and shape those he leaves behind, both in and outside the church. My prayers and the prayers of many others are with him and his family today.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(Published January 4, 2018) Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Thomas S. Monson. As he approached his 18th birthday in 1945, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves and anticipated serving in WWII in the Pacific theater.
Tom was sent to San Diego for training, but with the end of World War II was not stationed overseas. His tour of duty ended six months after the end of the war, after which he returned to the University of Utah.
After college Tom rejoined the Naval Reserve with the goal of becoming an officer, and he received a commission acceptance letter from the Navy. Realizing military service would get in the way of his volunteer church assignments, he declined the commission. This decision would define the course of Monson’s life, as he later impacted millions though his church work.
Thomas S. Monson became known worldwide after more than 50 years as a religious leader and served since 2008 as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Monson used his Navy experiences to teach, like this story about honesty.
After three weeks of intense training in boot camp, Tom and his fellow Navy recruits were given their first liberty to San Diego. All who knew how to swim were to line up for the bus to San Diego. The rest were to remain behind for swimming lessons.
Just before the “swimmers” boarded the bus, the officer changed their orders — all recruits were to march to the gym, remove their street clothes, jump into the deep end of the pool and swim to the other side. Tom was a fine swimmer, but it quickly became obvious that about 10 of the men had lied — they wouldn’t jump into the pool. The officer pushed the remaining men into the pool and let them sputter under the water a few times before rescuing them with a pole. The lesson: telling the truth can save your life.
Thomas passed away this week at age 90. We honor his service.
John Curtis, Congressman from Utah
Saddened to wake up to the news that LDS Church President Monson has passed away. He was a dedicated servant of the Lord and we are all better for his leadership.
Mia Love, Congresswoman from Utah
I give thanks for the life and example set by Pres. Thomas Monson. His tireless, charitable service, cheerful demeanor, love of others and ministry touched millions of lives. He provided inspiration for Latter-day Saints throughout the world. God bless him and his family."
Rob Bishop, Congressman from Utah
President Monson's service to Utah, the LDS Church, and the world is without equal. He will be greatly missed, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. I am heartened by the belief that his passing leads to a divine reunion with his wife, Frances. My thoughts today are with his family and the millions throughout the world in mourning.
Chris Stewart, Congressman from Utah
I was saddened to learn that President Thomas Monson has passed away. While we mourn the loss of an exceptional man, we also honor his remarkable life that he dedicated to serving others. When he spoke, people all over Utah, the country and the world listened. He truly understood that when you are in the service of your fellow man you are in the service of God. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and members of the LDS Church during this time.
Gary Herbert, Governor of Utah
Jeanette and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the death of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. His life was a sermon of service. He cared about all people as children of God. His influence for good will be felt for years to come.
Jackie Biskupski, Salt Lake City Mayor
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. Over the past few years, as Salt Lake City has dealt with critical issues, most notably homelessness, the LDS Church has responded with a high level of compassion and resolve set clearly by President Monson and his deep concern for those less fortunate. We have lost a dedicated partner to the capital city and he will be missed.
President Monson's values also guided the LDS Church and set a high moral standard as to how we will treat immigrants and refugees both inside and outside our borders. I believe his example has helped to ensure Salt Lake City and Utah will always be seen as welcoming places.
My thoughts and prayers are with President Monson's family and members of the LDS Church, as they grieve the loss of their family member and leader.
Utah Jazz
The Larry and Gail Miller Family and the Utah Jazz organization express their heartfelt sympathy at the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. His lifelong service and his impact on the world will always be remembered. He was an example of pure service, always looking after those in need, including our family as he provided comfort by visiting Larry, another West High boy, many times during his long illness. We are honored to have had a close relationship with him and will miss him.