President Thomas S. Monson will not attend General Conference this weekend, as confirmed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Thursday afternoon.
President Monson, 90, has served as president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ since February 3, 2008. The statement released by the Church did not specify a reason why he would not be attending.
President Monson attended the morning sessions of the last General Conference in April 2017, but stayed home for the afternoon sessions to conserve his energy. He was hospitalized the Monday following April Conference for two days. The Church released a statement on May 23rd stating that President Monson no longer attends meetings on a regular basis.
“Because of limitations incident to his age, President Monson is no longer attending meetings at the Church offices on a regular basis. He communicates and confers with his counselors on matters as needed. President Monson is grateful that the work of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continues without interruption. He appreciates the prayers and support of Church members.”
Earlier on Thursday, the LDS Church announced that Elder Robert D. Hales, a member of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, had been hospitalized for several days and will not participate in this weekends General Conference.
Similar health challenges faced other presidents of the church in the past, including President David O. McKay in the late 1960s, President Spencer W. Kimball in the 1980s, and President Ezra Taft Benson in the late 1980s and early 1990.
Source: Deseret News
