President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, described how church members are called to leadership positions, and said top leaders in the church are "just the same" as ordinary members.

"You have the same access to the powers of revelation for your families and your work and your callings as we do," he said.

President Monson was the last speaker during the morning session of Saturday's conference. He talked about the death of a friend during World War II and recounted words from a talk he gave 38 years ago titled: "Mrs. Patton, Arthur Lives."

In that talk, President Monson said he told Mrs. Patton that he knew her son would live again.

"With all the strength of my soul I testify that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us," he said. "He hears the prayers of humble hearts, he hears our cries for help, as he heard Mrs. Patton."

During the evening session for men, President Hinckley talked about anger — an "unusual" but timely topic, he said. He followed speakers who talked about procrastination, pornography and "raising the bar" in missionary work.

"It is when we become angry that we get into trouble," he said, later adding: "I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out words of love and peace, appreciation and respect. If you will do this, your lives will be without regret. Your marriages and family relationships will be preserved. You will be much happier."

Talks during the afternoon session touched on missionary work and also the growing membership of the church. Elders Jeffrey R. Holland and M. Russell Ballard, of the Twelve, noted increased media attention to the church and its doctrine, and spoke of basic beliefs of the church, including the centrality of Jesus Christ as the head of the church that bears his name.

"The growing prominence of the church and the increasing inquiries from others present us with great opportunities to build bridges, make friends and pass on accurate information," Elder Ballard said, referring to the volume of media about the church since the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and more particularly, in the wake of Mitt Romney's presidential quest.

"But it can also present a greater possibility of misunderstanding, sometimes even prejudice, if we allow others to define who we are and what we believe, rather than presenting it ourselves." This week the church unveiled a new outreach campaign by top church leaders that targets reporters and editorial boards.