Who Is Elder Eduardo F. Ortega? The New General Authority Seventy Shares His Testimony and Journey

Elder Eduardo F. Ortega was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the April 2025 General Conference. His deep testimony, humble beginnings, and strong family roots in the gospel have shaped his life and leadership.

“I do have a testimony of our Savior, that He lives,” Elder Ortega said. “I’ve seen Him working side by side with me, and I know this is His work, not ours.”

Early Life and Gospel Heritage

Elder Ortega was born on July 10, 1977, in Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina, to Fernando Daniel Ortega and Irma Elvira Endstorfer. His parents raised him in a faithful Latter-day Saint home. They both served in various leadership callings, including as mission leaders and later as temple president and matron of the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple.

His grandparents, José Rufino Ortega and Mercedes Bonilla de Ortega, were among the first converts in Mendoza in the 1950s. Back then, there were fewer than 20 members in the area. Today, Mendoza is home to several stakes and its own temple, which was dedicated in September 2024.

A Personal Testimony Begins

Although Elder Ortega was active in Church during his youth, he gained a deep, personal testimony while preparing for his mission. While at the missionary training center in Buenos Aires, he knelt and prayed sincerely to know if the gospel was true.

“That’s where I gained my own strong testimony of Jesus Christ,” he said.

He served in the Colombia Cali Mission, where he learned the joy of serving others without being asked. “It was the first time I had the most tender feeling to help others,” he said.

Marriage and Family

After his mission, Eduardo spent time with his parents in Nicaragua and later studied English at BYU. In 2001, during a youth conference in Buenos Aires, he met Gabriela Alejandra Cappi Franzia from Uruguay.

Their long-distance relationship involved expensive monthly travel and phone calls — no texting or social media. After six months, they decided to marry. Gabriela left her job, family, and home country to start a life with Eduardo in Argentina.

They were sealed in the Montevideo Uruguay Temple on September 13, 2002, and are now parents of three children.

Faith Through Hard Times

Their early married life was challenging due to Argentina’s political and financial crisis. Elder Ortega worked odd jobs while studying, and they relied on prayer, fasting, tithing, and their covenants.

“But we had faith,” he said. “Of course, there will be challenges and trials, but if we follow that pattern of service, everything will be OK.”

Both Eduardo and Gabriela came from families that put the Lord first. Their shared values helped lay a strong foundation for their marriage and spiritual life.

Professional Background

Elder Ortega holds:

• A bachelor’s degree in architecture from John F. Kennedy University in Argentina

• A master’s degree from the University of Belgrano

• A leadership diploma from Harvard Business School

He worked in construction and real estate for global companies, including American Express, and served as a board member for several organizations.

Church Service

His Church service includes:

• Area Seventy

• Stake presidency counselor

• Bishop

• Elders quorum president

• High priests group leader

• Missionary in the Colombia Cali Mission

Witness of the Savior

Looking back on his journey, Elder Ortega is grateful for the Lord’s guidance.

“I’ve seen Him working beside me,” he said. “He came to save us, to give us light and hope. His eternal Atonement gives us the opportunity to change and move forward.”