Elder Caussé Says Church Growth Is Surging in France

In France, where many do not believe in God or belong to a religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing.

“[The Church is] seeing a surge of baptisms in France right now,” said Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during a visit to Paris on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

He and his wife, Valérie, began a multi-day ministry across Europe and will spend several days in the greater Paris area, where they once lived and where he served as a local Church leader for many years. They were joined by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, Europe Central Area President, and his wife, Fabiana.

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At various meetings in the Paris area where Elder Caussé spoke, several recently baptized Latter-day Saints shared what drew them to the Church of Jesus Christ.

“I felt a message of peace and love,” said Augustin Lemblé, who was baptized in mid-February. “And even before receiving the Holy Ghost, I already knew that this was where I needed to be. I have the testimony that this is the right place.”

Cécile Alves de Freitas, who was baptized in July 2025, shared, “I’m really thankful that Elder Caussé talked about the fact that we need to be the light in this world and we need to carry Jesus with us every day — not just on Sundays.”

Robin Gaël Buannic, who was baptized a week ago, said, “I realized that it’s the real Church of Jesus Christ. I was searching for a real church, a real truth, and who we are really, deeply, and I just realized that we are in the Church of Jesus Christ. It’s a real blessing for me.”

Elder Caussé emphasized the importance of personal commitment and unity within the Church.

“I feel this Spirit that unites us, through Christ and for Christ,” he said at a stake conference to congregations in South Paris on Sunday, February 22. He said this commitment is nurtured through reading the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. He said he has a special witness of this sacred book, having read it many times.

“Although it was perhaps my umpteenth time reading the Book of Mormon, I rediscovered it in a new light,” Elder Caussé said. “I can affirm that the central message of the Book of Mormon is to restore true understanding of the essential role of Jesus Christ in salvation and exaltation. There is no other book in the world that offers such a pure and clear understanding of the plan of salvation and the role of Christ.”

As an Apostle (he was called in November 2025), his life is dedicated to the Savior. His primary duty is to bear witness of the name of Jesus Christ.

“The calling of Apostle is sacred, incredibly important in the Church,” Elder Caussé said. “The Apostles are always your brothers. We are proud to call you our brothers and sisters in the gospel. That will never change. … Valérie pointed out to me that it is part of my role as an Apostle to express kindness in the name of Jesus Christ. It’s not simply about giving speeches, but also about having the same kind of contact Christ had with each person individually.”

During his messages, Elder Caussé encouraged members to keep serving those around them and strengthening their communities. He reminded everyone that spiritual growth is about faith lived out every day.

“The best way to present the Church is through its members,” he said. “The Church is you, my brothers and sisters.”

The Apostle recalled President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation to use the Church's revealed name — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“It defines who we are, that we are the Church of Christ on earth, which gathers the disciples He has chosen for these last days,” he said.

This trip to France is a moment of deep spiritual experiences, both for those participating and also for the Caussés. They are walking in the footsteps of their history, rediscovering familiar faces and sharing their testimony of Christ in an area seeing significant Church growth.