Prophet and President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple on Sunday, August 16, 2026. This is the Church’s 12th dedicated temple in Brazil and 220th operating temple worldwide.
“Our service in the temples is centered on Jesus Christ,” President Oaks said in remarks delivered prior to his dedicatory prayer. “All that is learned and is done here relates to Him. Here in this house, we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, referring to His authority and His work. All who come here participate in His saving work and receive His blessings.”
This was the prophet’s first trip outside the United States as President of the Church. In interviews the previous day with Church Newsroom staff and Brazilian journalist Leandro Magalhães, President Oaks reflected on why he selected Brazil for his first temple dedication outside the U.S.
“I was anxious to come to Brazil, into any city, because I esteem the nation so highly,” President Oaks told Magalhães. “As soon as I saw there was a temple in Brazil, I chose that one because I wanted to come to this nation and feel the spirit of the people.”
The prophet’s visit comes nearly one year into his service as President of the Church. He said the time has been “sweet and blessed.”
“I have prayed to the Lord for guidance, and I have felt the effect of the prayers of Latter-day Saints all over the world that I would hear and heed the counsel and direction of the Spirit of the Lord,” President Oaks said. “I’ve also been privileged with intense association with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and with other organizations and faithful men and women at Church headquarters. It’s been a time of blessings sought and received.”
Visit Church Newsroom to learn more about Pres. Oaks’s message at the temple dedication.
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