News Release

More than ten thousand visitors toured the Praia Cabo Verde temple

The President of the country, the Prime Minister and the Mayor of Praia among the dignitaries that visited the temple

The first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cabo Verde, in the city of Praia, received more than ten thousand visitors during the period of public visits, which ran from May 21 to June 11, 2022.

During the period reserved for media and invited guests, the temple was visited by President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, José Maria Neves, accompanied by his wife. After the visit he had the opportunity to thank the Church for the construction of the temple in the country.

Other dignitaries that visited the 173rd temple of the Church included the Prime-Minister of Cabo Verde, José Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Mayor of the city of Praia, Francisco Carvalho, and the President of the National Assembly of Cabo Verde, Austelino Tavares Correia.

The former President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, Jorge Carlos Fonseca, along with his wife, Lígia Fonseca, also took a guided tour of the temple. Reflecting on its significance, they concluded that places of worship such as the temple can contribute to greater harmony and peace, not only in the country, but throughout the world.

The Praia Cabo Verde will be dedicated on June 19, 2022, by Elder Neil L. Anderson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, in three dedicatory sessions that will be broadcast to the meetinghouses of the Church in the entire country.

About Temples

Latter-day Saints consider temples to be the “house of the Lord” and the most sacred places of worship on earth. Temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses (chapels), where Sunday worship services are held. All are welcome to attend Sunday services and other weekday activities at local meetinghouses. Temples are set apart for the highest sacraments of the faith; only those actively participating in the Church may worship inside the temple after its dedication.

The primary purpose of temples is for faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ to participate in sacred ceremonies such as marriages, which unite families forever, and proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized while living.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.