Brazil now has second-largest LDS population worldwide
August 21, 2026 at 4:07 PM MT · via Deseret News · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

Brazil now has the second-largest population of Latter-day Saints in the world, surpassing Mexico, according to the Deseret News. The milestone reflects decades of growth in Latin America, where the Church has emphasized temple construction and missionary work.
The United States remains first by a wide margin. Brazil's LDS population has grown rapidly since the 1980s, driven by conversions and high retention rates in some regions. President Dallin Oaks chose Brazil for his first international visit as Church president, underscoring the country's importance to global Church growth.
More coverage of this story
- East Idaho News →August 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM MT
- LDS Living →August 17, 2026 at 10:50 AM MT
- Deseret News →August 21, 2026 at 3:01 PM MT
Mormon News summarizes reporting from established outlets and always links to the original. See an error? Report it.
Related coverage
- Latter-day Saint leader decries explosion in sports betting, prediction markets
via KUER · October 7, 2026
- First Pohnpeian-speaking ward created outside Micronesia
via Church News · October 6, 2026
- Hulu sets November launch for 'Secret Lives' Orange County spinoff
via IMDb · October 6, 2026
- MomTok star Jessi Ngatikaura addresses drama in weekly influencer recap video
via YouTube / Spill Sesh · October 5, 2026
From the Mormon News Podcast
- Nemo Goes Global, Mormon Stories Lawsuit Update & LDS Baby Bust - Mormon News 10.2.26 | Ep. 2204
Full episode and transcript · October 2, 2026
- LDS Scholar Warned? 50 Million Members? Anti-Immigration? Early Marriage? - Mormon News | Ep. 2197
Full episode and transcript · September 18, 2026