LDS Church breaks ground on two Brazil temples

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints held groundbreaking ceremonies for two new temples in Brazil. On June 22, 2024, Elder Joni L. Koch, a General Authority Seventy and Brazil Area president, presided over the groundbreaking of the Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple, attended by about 500 local leaders, members and community representatives. The single‑story, 32,000‑square‑foot temple is planned for Avenida Antonio Marcal in Ribeirão Preto.

A second ceremony took place on August 1, 2026, when Elder Ronald M. Barcellos, also a General Authority Seventy and Brazil Area presidency counselor, led the groundbreaking of the Santos Brazil Temple. Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, an emeritus General Authority Seventy, also spoke. The event was livestreamed and highlighted the temple’s expected blessings for both church members and the surrounding community.