Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Throughout November, 9 of the 15 apostles have had ministry assignments around the world. Find out where and what messages they’ve shared.

We love the way Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf devotes his life to family, service, and the Savior. Celebrate this beloved Apostle's 82nd birthday with these fun photo highlights from his remarkable life.

The new guide, “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices,” is based on gospel principles, agency and inspiration.

Take a look back at the last six months of news, projects, and messages from Church leaders since last general conference.

Get to know the current members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve with these books and talks authored by our beloved leaders.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf visited with young women and men, listening to their experiences and sharing some words of encouragement.

Elder Uchtdorf’s special Teaching in the Savior’s Way broadcast was recommended “for all members of the Church who teach either in their calling or in their home.”

On Sunday, June 12, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf will speak in a special broadcast for all members of the Church who teach either in their calling or in their home.

Ukrainian Latter-day Saints taking refuge in Poland have suffered greatly, but their lives were made a little brighter after a visit and special message from Elder and Sister Uchtdorf.

"Though the conditions are dire, we are not helpless. Our connection to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can heal our wounds, our hearts, and the world," Elder Uchtdorf said.

The Apostle spoke with a reporter for an entire hour, but the interview never saw the light of day.

On Sunday, January 9, 2022, six members of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will speak to young adults worldwide.

Sister Harriet Uchtdorf and her daughter Antje give a taste of the magic of Christmas in Germany on this week’s episode of the Church News podcast.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s most recent Facebook post is sure to melt your heart while also raising your vision.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on LDSLiving.com in July 2021 and has been updated for clarity.

Editor's note: Our bi-weekly Friday column, “Found in the footnotes,” explores some of the footnotes from remarks given by General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the January 2017 Ensign, then-President Uchtdorf lovingly prepared a message for members of the Church: “Aiming at the Center.” This message shares a compelling metaphor for how we should focus our lives.

Less than three weeks after a missionary unexpectedly passed away after collapsing during a soccer game with peers, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with the missionary’s parents in their Sao Paulo, Brazil, ward meetinghouse and in their home to console them in their grief.

Are we hearing the call of heaven and the beckoning calls of our Savior? A recent Mormon Channel video beautifully illustrates the principles Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught in his general conference talk "A Yearning for Home."

Amidst their world travels andbig Church changes, it's impossible to summarize all the good the prophet and apostles have done this year. But here's a glimpse into some of the most popular and touching stories and messages shared from the Brethren this year.

Ever wondered what the apostles looked like growing up? Here's a glimpse at our beloved apostles as children.

With so many Church leaders who have a wonderful sense of humor all their own, there are always many funny or light-hearted moments shared each general conference. Here are some of the most hilarious that are guaranteed to give you a laugh, brighten your day, and deepen your love for God's chosen apostles.

“Is this a prank?” Steve “Dusty” Smith wondered. He was surprised—and confused—but then-President Uchtdorf had just one question for Smith: would he share his story?

Latter-day Saints often wonder how we can clearly stand for our faith in our modern world. While it may be tricky to navigate differences we experience in politics, in faith, at work, in our families, and at church, it is important for us to recognize other's agency is just as sacred as our own and to put first and foremost the two great commandments: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30–31).

On a recent visit to Germany, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorfmet with the German Chancellor in a historic meeting and attended a wreath-laying ceremony for Holocaust victims at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. While reflecting on his experience at Sachsenhausen, Elder Uchtdorf shared a touching message on Facebook about a Latter-day Saint who was executed by the German government in 1942 along with an unforgettable message about the power of love:

"Freedom of religion is inseparable from the fundamental right of all—whether religious or not—to think, express and act upon what you are deeply convinced of," Elder Uchtdorf . He recently became the first LDS Church leader ever to meet with a German chancellor.

We've all had those moments where we feel alone. Maybe it's because there's a trial in our life that seems insurmountable or we feel that even when we try our best, we fall short.

Our prophet and apostles provide examples for us not only through what they do and say but also in what they surround themselves with.

The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of those historical moments that became solidified in collective memory. That one moment transformed the lives of millions—but for Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, that moment has a deeper significance.

Former president of Germany Joachim Gauck praised the Church for its missionary work and the commitment of its members as he received his personal family history from Elder Uchtdorf.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf and his family recently gathered for a classic Mormon event—the misson call opening of his grandson.

Elder Uchtdorf recently shared a powerful message on Facebook after visiting those affected by the Florida school shooting.

In general conference talks and elsewhere, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has shared numerous personal experiences and stories from his life that illustrate times when he felt inadequate, discouraged, or weak. Whether it was trying to learn English as a young boy, pursuing the girl of his dreams who wasn't yet interested, or leaving his homeland with his family as a refugee, these stories have helped each of us feel that he truly relates to and understands many of the struggles we are going through.

For those seeking a message of hope and a glimpse of light even in the midst of world events, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's latest message on Facebook will provide comfort and peace:

In three short, touching videos, Sister Ann M. Dibb (President Monson's daughter), President Uchtdorf, and President Eyring share touching memories and impressions of our beloved prophet.

Many of us are missing our beloved prophet this morning and extending our love to his family after he passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. President Eyring and President Uchtdorf released the following testimony and tribute:

What incredible stories from the life of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf that show how, through all of his challenges and missions as a pilot, the Lord had been preparing him for the greatest mission of all. The following was originally written by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and posted on lds.org, but this story written in President Uchtdorf's own words can also be found in his new book, The Gospel at 30,000 Feet, available in Deseret Book stores and on deseretbook.com.

From the time President Dieter F. Uchtdorf first took the pulpit at general conference, members around the world have loved his stories about airplanes and the poignant gospel lessons he draws from them. In fact, his history of sharing tales of flight has led many listeners to find themselves internally asking a question as soon as he gets up to speak—the same question President Uchtdorf voiced one memorable conference: “What does it have to do with flying an airplane?” Here are a couple of those aerodynamic analogies.

In a 2017 book titled The Gospel at 30,000 Feet, President Uchtdorf shares valuable gospel lessons he learned from flying airplanes thousands of feet above the earth.

"Christmas inspires us to love better," President Uchtdorf shared at the Christmas Devotional on Sunday, adding that divine love, "refuses to allow bias or prejudice to stand in the way of imparting comfort, compassion, and understanding. It is completely devoid of bullying, discrimination, or arrogance. . . . This is the kind of love we strive for. It should be our defining characteristic as a people.”

I’ll admit it: I grew up thinking that Coke and other caffeinated drinks were frowned upon by the Church. I knew it wasn’t explicitly against the Word of Wisdom, so when asked why I wouldn’t drink anything caffeinated, I would say I didn’t enjoy the taste. But the reality is that I was mostly avoiding the caffeine. I thought drinking it was wrong.

"Let God open your eyes. Let Him give you a new heart. Standing in His light, you will be able to navigate the course of your life."

One of the most beautiful things about the Church is how it brings people together from different backgrounds, and the pasts of the Brethren leading the Church today are no different. Find out what unique jobs some general authorities have held before they were called to serve.

General conference is a special time where Church members can be strengthened by messages shared by the leaders of the Church.

Over the years, the pulpit in the Conference Center has been graced with many surprising, charming, touching, and humorous stories.