Mormon Church's Next Presiding Leader, Jeffrey R. Holland, Dies at 85

Jeffrey R. Holland, the senior apostle next in line to lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died. He was 85. His death was confirmed by the church. No cause was given. Holland was the longest-serving member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This group is the second-highest governing body in the church. Under a long-established succession plan, the most senior apostle automatically becomes the next church president. This system means the church's new leader is already determined. The current president is 99-year-old Russell M. Nelson. Holland was known as a powerful speaker and a defender of traditional church teachings. He served as an apostle for nearly 35 years. Church apostles will now gather to reorganize the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The process for appointing a new president will follow.