SALT LAKE CITY — President M. Russell Ballard opened the second day of the 188th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a talk about Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead.

President Ballard’s wife, Sister Barbara Ballard, passed away on Oct. 1 at the age of 86.

"We too can be comforted and learn more about our own future when we or our loved ones die and go to the spirit world by studying this revelation and pondering its significance in the way we live our lives each day," he said.

Social media reacted to his somber talk.

#ElderBallard speaking after just losing his sweet wife, shows how much our church leaders are dedicated to us and the work of God. #GeneralConference Rest in honor Sister Ballard. And God be with you all till you meet again. — Sistas in Zion (@SISTASinZION) October 7, 2018

I think it’s amazing that Elder Ballard wrote this talk before his wife passed. #spiritualprompting #guidedbythespirit #generalconference — The Latter-day Zone (@LatterDayZone) October 7, 2018

I love hearing stories like this about prophets & other leaders having deep questions in moments of grief that match what I've asked. Humanizes them and makes it easier for me to believe in their calling. #ldsconf — ace dad, ma (@TheConorHilton) October 7, 2018

The prophets and apostles, like our Savior Jesus, are well-acquainted with grief and sorrow. They find peace and comfort in the eternal promises of God. The family is forever. Death is not the end of our existence. #GeneralConference — David Tertipes (@dteeps) October 7, 2018

We too can be comforted and learn more about our own future when we die and go to the spirit world by studying this revelation and pondering its significance in the way we live our lives each day. #PresidentBallard #PresBallard #GeneralConference #LDSconf — Travis (@GospelTrek) October 7, 2018

We too can be comforted and learn more of the future as we study this revelation (D&C 138).#PresBallard #GeneralConference — Renee Zamora (@rzamor1) October 7, 2018

My brother took his life almost 3 years ago. I miss him every day, but I am comforted in the fact that Jesus Christ lives and has provided a resurrection for all. Through the sealing power of the Priesthood of God we are an eternal family and will be reunited. #GeneralConference — David Tertipes (@dteeps) October 7, 2018

president ballard’s testimony comforts me ♥️ i know i will be reunited with my loved ones again. #GeneralConference — penny’s mom has got it going on (@hayzul_nut) October 7, 2018

President Ballard’s countenance is sad. Breaks my heart for him. Nevertheless, he testifies of the reality of spirit world, revealed by J.F. Smith, and eventual reuniting of ALL spirits with their bodies. We will be with our loved ones again...in time. #GeneralConfernce — Corbin Allred (@corbinallred) October 7, 2018