Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Sunday morning session of October 2023 general conference. He used the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate how God rejoices when His children enter “the road that leads home.” The following is a summary of what Elder Uchtdorf said.

Elder Uchtdorf’s talk summary

Like all of the Savior’s parables, the story of the prodigal son is not only about people living long ago. “It’s about you and me, today.” 

To those who have wondered if it’s possible to go back or how God will react to their return, this parable gives the answer: “Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us, place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, sandals on our feet, and proclaim: ‘Today, we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!’ Heaven will rejoice at our return. …

“Though choices may have taken you far away from the Savior and His Church, the Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you. And we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ seek to follow His example and embrace you as our brothers and sisters, as our friends. We rejoice and celebrate with you.”

Everyone relies daily on the same atoning power of Jesus Christ. The path will not be free from grief, sorrow or sadness. “Together we will ‘press forward with a steadfastness in Christ.’” 

Notable quotes

See the full text of Elder Uchtdorf’s talk: ‘The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home’

Who is Elder Uchtdorf?

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 2004. He served as second counselor in the First Presidency under President Thomas S. Monson, from February 2008 to January 2018.
• From 1965 to 1996, he was a pilot, captain and corporate executive for the German airline Lufthansa.
• Twice in his life, he and his family have been refugees. As a 4-year-old boy, World War II forced him from Czechoslovakia. Years later, the Uchtdorf’s fled their home in East Germany in search of safety in West Germany.
• He met his wife, Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, in their teens while attending a branch in Frankfurt, Germany, soon after she and her family joined the Church. Years later, following Elder Uchtdorf joining the German air force and completing his training in the United States, they began a courtship and were soon married in the Swiss Temple (now the Bern Switzerland Temple) in 1962. They are the parents of two children.

What has Elder Uchtdorf done recently?

• During April 2023 general conference, Elder Uchtdorf encouraged parents to turn to the Lord for strength.
• Elder Uchtdorf taught during the 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders about “Preach My Gospel” chapter 13 and the importance of unity between missionaries and Church members.
• Elder Uchtdorf spoke at two meetings held in the BYU Jerusalem Center on April 21-22 about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its role in helping God’s children repent and be worthy to return to Him. A few days earlier he ministered in Egypt. 

Read more of Elder Uchtdorf’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.