LDS prophet Monson will not attend general conference this weekend

(KUTV) The leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not attend the faith's general conference this weekend, a church spokesman confirmed to 2News.
Thomas S. Monson will not be present at any of the five sessions taking place Saturday and Sunday, Eric Hawkins said Thursday afternoon. He did not provide further information but referred 2News to a statement in May about Monson's health.
In that statement, the church said, "Because of limitations incident to his age, President Monson is no longer attending meetings at the Church offices on a regular basis. He communicates and confers with his counselors on matters as needed. President Monson is grateful that the work of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continues without interruption. He appreciates the prayers and support of Church members."
Monson, 90, is not the only high-level leader to miss the conference. Elder Robert D. Hales, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will also skip the sessions due to a recent hospitalization, the church announced Thursday.
"Elder Robert D. Hales was admitted to the hospital several days ago for treatment of pulmonary and other conditions," the church said in a statement. "To permit their continued medical attention to Elder Hales, his doctors have determined that he should not participate in the Church's general conference this weekend."
During the faith's last conference in April, Monson attended three sessions and addressed church members for a few minutes, announcing five new temples. He also spoke about the Book of Mormon and the importance of gaining a testimony of the gospel.
However, the frail Mormon leader also skipped three sessions. At the time, a church spokesman described him as "weary but well." The next day, Monson was hospitalized to receive "treatment and fluids," the church said.
LDS members gather twice a year for general conference, which originates out of Salt Lake City, to hear words of inspiration and guidance from their leaders.
Monson has served as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since Feb. 3, 2008, when he took the place of previous president Gordon B. Hinckley.