SANTIAGO, Chile — When President Gordon B. Hinckley stepped to the podium at the north end of Santiago's Monumental Stadium on Saturday — his first official public appearance anywhere since being diagnosed and treated for cancer — a warm round of applause rose from among the tens of thousands in attendance.

These were not the boisterous cheers that rumble the soccer stadium when the local team, Colo-Colo, boots in a goal. This applause seemed measured — an acknowledgment of respect and gratitude for President Hinckley, the 95-year-old leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A salute for his efforts to travel to Chile, speak to the people and rededicate the Santiago Chile Temple only weeks after undergoing surgery for colon cancer.

"I wondered whether I would be able to get here," he said. "I pondered over it. I prayed about it. I decided I would make the effort. I am so grateful that I have done so."

President Hinckley arrived at the stadium minutes before the 6 p.m. devotional program's start time. He appeared thin but sturdy, walking from his car to his chair on the dais.

President Hinckley, who is expected to preside during today's rededication of the Santiago Chile Temple, spoke for about 10 minutes. His voice was clear and strong. He noted the number of foreign officials and diplomats in Chile for Saturday's inauguration of the country's newly elected president, Michelle Bachelet.

"I congratulate her and pray that the Lord will bless her as she leads this great nation and that the people may be blessed with the blessings of freedom and peace and prosperity," he said.

The religious leader said he first first visited Chile more than four decades ago when the LDS Church was young here. "We now have 74 stakes of Zion, 25 districts and nine missions," he said. And, he said, he expects further growth in the South American nation.

He then spoke of the LDS Church's decision to construct a temple in Chile years ago. One was built — and President Hinckley would dedicate it in 1983. "Now it has been beautified and enlarged and strengthened," he said.

President Hinckley then challenged the members of the church gathered inside the stadium to be worthy to enter the temple. Activity in the temple "is the greatest blessing that can come to any couple. Don't put it off. If you need to repent, repent today and qualify to receive a temple recommend," he said.

He was joined on the devotional program by many other LDS Church leaders, including Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Perry spent much of the past week in Chile meeting with members and missionaries. He told President Hinckley of the many prayers he heard offered on his behalf.

"There was no doubt you would be here because they were praying for your safety and health," Elder Perry said.

Following the devotional, a cultural celebration was staged, featuring several thousand LDS Chileans of all ages.

The patriotic program included video highlights and depictions of the church's history in Chile, along with a series of colorful folk dances representing the country's diverse traditions.

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E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com