Alerts Sign-up
Elder Ulisses Soares, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dedicated the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The event marks a significant moment for Latter-day Saints in the region.
During his remarks at the dedication, Elder Soares acknowledged the faith and perseverance of local church members. “From the moment we arrived, we have felt the warmth of your spirits and the strength of your faith,” he said. “Truly, this is a day of rejoicing, a day long hoped for, now fulfilled by the hand of the Lord.”
Elder Soares also shared his personal reflections on waiting many years to receive temple blessings after joining the Church with his family. He recognized members who had waited for a temple to be built near them and highlighted their enduring faith.
“We are grateful the Lord inspired His prophet to build a temple in this land. In moments like these, we are reminded of God’s perfect and infinite love for His children, reaching across time and distance to bless those who seek Him with humble hearts,” he stated.
The dedication comes as South America observes 100 years since it was dedicated for preaching by The Church. Elder Soares noted that dedicating this new temple is part of that commemoration: “What a great blessing to conclude this beautiful year of celebration with the temple dedication,” he said. “What a magnificent opportunity and blessing to see the growth of the kingdom of the Lord in South America that started here in Argentina in 1925. This temple is a symbol of faith; it’s a beacon and a light to Argentina.”
Local church members participated in the ceremony. Nicolas Muñoz from Neuquén commented on its significance: “It will be a place of spiritual strength for the people here and now that the Bahia Blanca [Argentina] Temple is closer to us, we will try to go as often as possible to be strengthened.” Beatriz Gottau from Bahia Blanca added: “This is the house of the Lord, and when we enter—or when we want to be closer to Him—it is only necessary to come here, and we will be in His presence.”
President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for the Bahía Blanca Temple in April 2020. At that time he stated: “Temples are a crowning part of the Restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In God’s goodness and generosity, He is bringing the blessings of the temple closer to His children everywhere.”
Argentina has nearly 500,000 Latter-day Saints across about 750 congregations nationwide. In addition to Bahía Blanca, temples operate in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza and Salta; further temples have been announced for Buenos Aires City Center and Rosario.
Temples hold particular significance within Latter-day Saint worship as places where sacred ceremonies such as eternal marriages—uniting families forever—and proxy baptisms for deceased ancestors are performed.
