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Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed young professionals at the 7th annual Seminario Sudamericano in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 21, 2025. His visit came between his ministry in Brazil and the dedication of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple.
During his remarks, Elder Soares emphasized the importance of integrity, empathy, and moral clarity for today’s world. “Today’s world needs integrity, empathy and moral clarity. These qualities grow where discipleship runs deep. That is why it is so important to reinforce the idea that, as disciples of Christ, we set an example not only in religious matters but in conduct, integrity, compassion and relationships — with people, with governments, with everyone in the world,” said Elder Soares.
The seminar coincided with a significant milestone: 100 years since Elder Melvin J. Ballard visited Argentina and offered a dedicatory prayer for preaching the gospel in South America on December 25, 1925. In his prayer for South American nations’ leaders and people, Ballard said: “Bless the presidents, governors and leading officials of these [South] American countries that they may kindly receive us and give us permission to open the doors of salvation to the peoples of these lands. May they be blessed in administering the affairs of their several offices that great good may come unto the people, that peace may be upon these nations.”
Ballard also predicted slow initial growth for the Church—“just as an oak grows slowly from an acorn”—but foresaw eventual expansion: “the day would come when ‘thousands would join the Church [in South America.]’”
This centennial inspired this year’s conference theme: “Roots of the Restoration in South America: A Century to Inspire the Next Decade.” Elder Soares referenced this history during his presentation. “The same spirit that inspired Elder Ballard to dedicate this land speaks to hearts today and continues to inspire us, calling teachers to elevate minds, leaders to defend freedom, families to build Zion in their homes, and youth to carry the light of the gospel to every nation,” he said.
He continued by highlighting active participation: “We are not merely witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy; we are participants in its unfolding. The Lord’s work is not static but dynamic. Its vitality depends on our courage to act, our willingness to serve, and our faith to believe that miracles are still possible.”
Romanna Remor, President of Roble Sul Foundation who attended the event commented on its impact: “Listening to Elder Soares’s perspective on the vision Elder Ballard had 100 years ago fueled us with joy and renewed energy to have courage and joy when we go forth and open our arms and our hearts to our South American brothers and sisters.”
The four-day seminar gathered young Latter-day Saints from ten countries across South America aiming for public engagement through service initiatives within their communities.
Mauricio Pacheco from Ecuador noted how service can reflect faith principles: “It is often said ‘Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.’ I believe that participating in and serving community is a way of preaching gospel.”
Remor added about leadership potential among young professionals: “We strongly believe that our young professionals have great potential to go forth and make a difference in their communities by applying principles of gospel…Leaders can be better leaders if they follow example Jesus Christ.”
Presentations at seminar included historical perspectives about church-government relations across Latin America. Clara Schettini—a historian—remarked on legal compliance: “The Church is very careful about respecting laws each country…This relationship between Church local governments [allows] Church bring more people Christ.”
Other topics covered included religious freedom issues as well as public policy discussions.
Elder Soares concluded by stressing interfaith dialogue grounded in shared values: “An intellect grounded in faith is one greatest positive influences modern world…In interfaith dialogue building bridges means discovering common moral ground while respecting doctrinal differences…it means finding shared cause defending dignity every soul protecting religious freedom promoting peace.”
He encouraged attendees regarding future contributions: “In next decade South America can lead by example showing how faith knowledge devotion dialogue coexist strengthen one another…the call generation continue what Elder Ballard began—to look beyond time plant seeds will endure.”
