Based on the long-standing succession procedure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and recent official news, President Dallin H. Oaks is now the presiding authority of the Church and is expected to become its next Prophet. This follows the announcement that President Russell M. Nelson died peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City on the evening of September 27, 2025, at the age of 101. While a new President is not expected to be formally sustained until after President Nelson’s funeral, the established pattern of succession points directly to President Oaks.
This process is a well-defined and reverent tradition within the Church, ensuring stability and continuity. It is not a political campaign but a procedure based on seniority among the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, whose members believe are guided by divine inspiration. For years, observers and members alike have looked to President Oaks as the most senior apostle, making him the most likely successor. Now, with the passing of President Nelson, that process is set in motion.
You Might Like: Jon Rahm’s Wife: Meet Kelley Cahill
The Clear Path of Succession
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the senior apostle has always been the one to succeed as the next Prophet and President. Seniority is determined by the longest continuous service in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. With the death of President Nelson, the First Presidency—which included President Oaks as First Counselor—is automatically dissolved. The two counselors, President Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, return to their places in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
President Dallin H. Oaks, at 93 years old, is now the senior member of that Quorum and, as such, becomes the presiding authority of the entire Church. He will lead the Church in this capacity during the period of mourning for President Nelson. A Church news release has confirmed that a new President is not expected to be formally chosen until after President Nelson’s funeral, the details of which are still pending. This allows time for the Quorum of the Twelve to convene and formally sustain the new President, a step that, while seen as a formality given the seniority system, is a crucial spiritual and administrative part of the transition.
A Closer Look at President Dallin H. Oaks
Dallin H. Oaks is no stranger to leadership, having served as an Apostle since 1984—a call he received on the same day as President Nelson. Prior to his full-time Church service, he built a distinguished career in law. He served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Earl Warren of the U.S. Supreme Court, was a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, and later became the president of Brigham Young University. He also served as a justice on the Utah Supreme Court.
For the past several years, he has worked closely alongside President Nelson as his First Counselor in the First Presidency. In a recent tribute, President Oaks spoke of his decades-long colleague, marveling at his “extraordinary modesty” and describing him as “the gentlest and sweetest person you could ever hope to associate with.” This close partnership has positioned him to continue the initiatives and spirit of President Nelson’s global ministry.
Also See: Mel Owens’ Kids: Meet His Two Sons, Lucas and Andre
While the Church is in a period of formal transition, the path forward is clear. Members around the world can expect President Oaks to lead the Council of the Twelve Apostles in organizing President Nelson’s funeral and, in the near future, to be sustained as the 18th President and prophet of the Church. This orderly process, rooted in tradition and faith, ensures that the work of the Church continues seamlessly, guided by leaders whom Latter-day Saints believe are called of God.
