October’s general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a highlight for M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

However, Ballard, 95, announced Thursday night on his social media platforms that he fell ill in the wake of the semiannual gathering.

“Following a wonderful and inspiring general conference, last week I suddenly found myself in the hospital with respiratory issues. However, I have since been released from the hospital and returned home where I am attending to duties as I am able,” Ballard posted.

During the conference, as usual, Ballard was asked to speak. In an Oct. 1 post on X, Ballard said reading is getting harder for him.

“I did not read a prepared address today at general conference. My eyes are getting dim as I approach 95 which makes it more difficult to see the teleprompter. However, I didn’t want to allow this obstacle to keep me from sharing my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ,” Ballard wrote.

Others in church leadership have also experienced recent illnesses and tender moments. President Russell M. Nelson hurt his back just days after his 99th birthday in September and is still working toward a full recovery.

Nelson was unable to attend the sessions of conference but he did record a message and was able to announce 20 new temples.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland continues to recover from a hospital stay and has been able to slowly get back to his assignments.

Both Holland and President Henry B. Eyring have lost their wives to illness since summer, bringing an added emotional toll on their health.

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