During a significant ministry visit in France, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder James W. McConkie III of the Europe Central Area Presidency had an enlightening meeting with French Senator Stéphane Demilly in the heart of Paris on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
The esteemed Elders enjoyed a guided tour of the impressive French Senate building, taking in its rich history and architecture, while also engaging in a constructive dialogue with Senator Demilly on a range of impactful topics, including global humanitarian efforts.
Elder Soares expressed his enthusiasm about the meeting, stating, “We had a wonderful meeting with [Sen. Demilly] today. He is very interested in our humanitarian initiatives that we have around the world.” He emphasized the discussion around the pivotal role of religion in fostering effective communication, peacebuilding, and developing inclusive communities where everyone has a voice.
Notably, Senator Demilly had previously visited Church Headquarters in 2022, where he had the unique opportunity to attend a rehearsal of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, as well as touring Welfare Square and the Family History Library. During that visit, he connected with Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, who hails from Bordeaux, further solidifying ties between the Church and local communities.
Senator Demilly maintains a strong bond with the students and faculty at Brigham Young University (BYU), who assisted him in translating one of his books into English. This collaboration has fostered a deeper understanding and mutual respect between the Senator and the academic institution.
In reflecting on his experiences, Demilly shared, “When students from BYU come to Paris, they call me … and I am very happy to welcome them. I think I will go back to Salt Lake City in a few months because I was so happy to be [there].” His conversation with Elder Soares reminded him of the organization and heartfelt kindness he experienced in Salt Lake City.
Elder Soares praised Senator Demilly’s positive attitude towards the Church, indicating, “He is very positive about the Church. He knows the Church. He has been to BYU, and he wants to continue this relationship.” The discussions also highlighted the vital roles that religions and families play in re-establishing respect and mutual understanding in society, emphasizing the significance of shared values.
Later that day, Elder Soares, accompanied by his wife, Rosana, and Elder McConkie with his wife, Laurel, convened with representatives from the France Paris and France Lyon Missions. The key takeaway Elder Soares shared with the missionaries focused on the empowering theme of choosing joy amid life’s challenges.
He conveyed a resonant message, stating, “My dear Elders and Sisters, I testify to you that you have been called to help people find joy in life because the gospel of Jesus Christ means joy.”
Elder Soares continued, “Develop spiritual resilience required for life through your joy because when you have joy, you have the Savior,” underscoring the profound impact of having faith in navigating even the most daunting challenges.
On Sunday, November 10, the Soareses and McConkies dedicated an evening to young adult members living in Paris, engaging with them on a personal level by answering their questions and highlighting their critical roles in both the Church and their communities.
Elder Soares reinforced their self-worth, stating, “You are precious children of Heavenly Father, and we want to reinforce that into your hearts. He expects you to become the light of the world. The world needs you more than you can imagine.”
Attendance by young adults, such as Shannon Mura, created an atmosphere of eagerness and inspiration, as she noted the excitement of seeing hundreds gathered to hear from an Apostle.
“I think it’s really important as a young adult to know that if we [put Christ first] we will be blessed and find guidance in our lives. I think knowing that Christ walks with us no matter what is just a message of hope that everybody needs to hear,” Mura commented, capturing the essence of hope and faith shared that evening.
What humanitarian initiatives did Elder Soares discuss with Senator Stéphane Demilly during their meeting?
**Interview with Elder Ulisses Soares Following His Meeting with French Senator Stéphane Demilly**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Elder Soares. You recently had a remarkable meeting with Senator Stéphane Demilly in Paris. Could you share what stood out to you during that meeting?
**Elder Soares:** Thank you for having me. The meeting was enlightening indeed. Senator Demilly expressed a genuine interest in our humanitarian initiatives around the world, which was encouraging. We discussed how religion can play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, peace, and inclusive communities. It was a fruitful conversation that emphasized our shared commitment to these values.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful to hear. You mentioned the senator’s previous visit to Church Headquarters in 2022. How do you think those experiences have helped to solidify the relationship between him and the Church?
**Elder Soares:** Absolutely. His visit allowed him to connect deeply with our values and initiatives. Experiencing our humanitarian efforts and meeting leaders like Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé has strengthened his understanding and appreciation of our mission. Such firsthand experiences create a stronger bond and facilitate ongoing dialogue.
**Interviewer:** Senator Demilly has also mentioned his connection with students from Brigham Young University (BYU). How does that relationship reflect the broader goals of community engagement?
**Elder Soares:** The collaboration with BYU students demonstrates the power of education and cultural exchange. It fosters mutual respect and understanding, which is integral to building strong communities. Senator Demilly’s openness to this relationship indicates a commitment to learning and bridging gaps between different cultures and faiths.
**Interviewer:** In closing, what do you hope will be the lasting impact of your discussions with Senator Demilly?
**Elder Soares:** I hope our discussions will spark further collaboration on humanitarian efforts and encourage dialogue around the vital roles of religion and family in society. By sharing common values, we can work together to restore respect and understanding within our communities, leading to a more compassionate world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Elder Soares, for sharing your insights from your visit. It sounds like an inspiring experience for all involved.
**Elder Soares:** Thank you. It truly was, and I look forward to the continued relationships we are building.