David A. Bednar met with José Antonio Kast on May 18, 2026, at La Moneda Presidential Palace in Santiago, Chile. The meeting focused on strengthening families, supporting youth, protecting religious freedom and identifying ways faith communities can assist society through service and humanitarian efforts.
Church representatives accompanying Elder Bednar included Eduardo Gavarret, Gabriel Campos and Helgi Hukdhs Zerega, the Church’s public affairs manager in Chile. Also participating in the meeting was Cristian Jara, director of Chile’s National Office of Religious Affairs.
During the discussion, Elder Bednar spoke about several youth-centered programs sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These included the For the Strength of Youth program, youth leadership and service opportunities, and educational initiatives such as BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
Elder Bednar explained that these programs are designed to help young people build faith, develop life skills and prepare for the future while encouraging service, responsibility and commitment to their communities.
Following the meeting, Elder Bednar said it was an honor to meet with President Kast and discuss how the Church and the Chilean government could work together to help people in need. He emphasized that the Church seeks opportunities to serve communities and bless lives through humanitarian and welfare efforts.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of religious freedom and open communication between faith leaders and government officials. Elder Bednar noted that meetings like this help leaders better understand the mission and work of the Church.
He explained that many people may not fully understand the beliefs, goals and humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, making personal interaction with government leaders valuable. He added that these discussions allow the Church to explain its mission while also supporting the work governments are doing in their nations.
Elder Bednar said he regularly meets with government leaders around the world as part of his ministry and described those experiences as opportunities to learn, cooperate and witness the growth of the Church internationally.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been established in Chile since 1956 and today has more than 600,000 members across the country. The Church continues to participate in humanitarian, educational, welfare and community-strengthening initiatives throughout Chile.
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