October 2, 2025, 12:05am MDT
Elder Suarez was appointed 12 Apostles Quorum on March 31, 2018. He was born on October 2, 1958 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He married Rosana Fernandez in October 1982.
Elder Soares studied at the Pope Catholic University in Sao Paulo and received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Economics in 1985. He later earned a Masters degree in Business Administration. He was an accountant and auditor for a Brazilian multinational corporation and director of time affairs at the Church Regional Office in Sao Paulo.
Before his call, he had served as 70 presidents since April 2005 and was nominated to members of the 70 presidency in January 2013. He and his sister Soares led the Porto Mission of Portugal from 2000 to 2003.
In honor of Elder Soares’ birthday today, here are nine of his quotes from the past year.
1. “The Representative of the Savior”
“We are representatives of the Savior, for we are what the Savior did during his earthly ministry, and what he does today.”
– Commentary at Portugal’s 50th Anniversary Ceremony, July 5, 2025
2. ‘We are part of the sacred thing’
“Because we feel that the spirit, who is working through us, embracing the witness of Jesus Christ, is working through us, we become aware that we are part of something sacred. We help the soul come to him. When we teach through the spirit, we are not merely conveying the message.
– Seminar for new mission leaders on June 21, 2025
3. “Amazing Blessing”
“The decision to bring the temple closer to people is a sign that God and his beloved son want to spread his blessings to all. It is a wonderful blessing to see the temple ordinances and covenants expand to all who are worthy.”
– Devotion of Nairobi Kenya Temple, May 18, 2025
4. Come to Christ
“I testify to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World and the Great Healer of our souls. He knows that he is alive and that His love is eternal and real.
– Byu-Idaho Devotional, April 27, 2025
5. “Respect for the sacred thing”
“Respect for the sacred thing is the greatest manifestation of important spiritual quality. It is a byproduct of our connection with the sacred, reflecting our love and proximity to our heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is one of the most elevated experiences of the soul.
– “Respect for the Sacred Things”, April 2025 General Meeting
6. “Strengthen our spiritual foundation”
“We need to consistently and constantly strengthen our spiritual foundations to repair the gap between spiritual erosion and faith. Nothing invites any spirit than when we centered our lives around Jesus Christ. We can certainly guarantee you.”
– Stake meeting in Brisbane, Australia, March 16, 2025
7. “Dignity is a universal birthright.”
“When both society and culture recognize, respect and protect the inherent values of all people, society thrives. Dignity is a universal birthright. Everyone has dignity simply by being human, regardless of religion, race, gender or nationality.
– International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, DC, February 3, 2025
8. “You’re not alone.”
“So share your love for him without fear of having to talk about Jesus Christ with your friends, social media posts, or other opportunities. You are not alone as you stand as a witness of his. He will always be with you.”
– Worldwide broadcast of young people, October 27, 2024
9. “Major and heroic disciple”
“One of the most glorious moments of death occurs when we discover the joy that comes when we always do what is like to be “work primarily and working for us.”
– “Adjusting your will with him” October 2024 General Meeting
