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Carole Mikita reporting LDS church President Gordon B. Hinckley is not slowing down his world travels even after having cancer surgery.
President Gordon B. Hinckley of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints arrived in Chile today. This is his first major public appearance since the surgery.
Some 50,000 Chilean Latter-day Saints have anticipated this meeting with President Hinckley for more than a year now. He greeted the crowd at one of the country's big soccer stadiums.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "I am not a stranger to Chile. For more than 45 years, I have been coming to this good land."
President Hinckley, who is recovering from colon cancer surgery, appeared physically weaker. He told the crowd that he had come the distance to be with them, and celebrate a very special occasion.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "My dear brothers and sisters. How wonderful it is to be with you. I wondered whether I would be able to get here. I pondered over it. I prayed about it. I decided that I would make the effort. And I am so grateful that I have done so. As we came to Chile today, we noticed a great many people here. Foreign officers and diplomats, who are here for the inauguration of your new president of the nation. I congratulate her. I leave my prayers and love with you."
Barbara Manriquez, Celebration Performer: "I never thought what it would feel like to feel like it did today listening to the prophet."
Following their meeting with President Hinckley, 4000 young Latter-day Saints changed into costume in his honor for a cultural celebration, and also to mark the rededication of their temple.
After months of planning, rehearsals and preparation, tonight's celebrations came to a spectacular conclusion. People in the stands cheering and waving to their children performing on the field.
President Hinckley admits that he tires easily these days, and was unable to stay for the cultural celebration. He went back to the hotel to rest, and prepare to preside over the rededication of the Santiago, Chile Temple on Sunday.
