The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has appointed Gérald Caussé as its newest apostle, marking another significant milestone in the faith’s history. Caussé, who has been instrumental in managing church finances and overseeing a global temple construction initiative, will join the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key leadership body within the church.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is an all-male group that helps shape church policy and oversees its extensive business operations. Caussé’s new role also places him in the line of succession for the church presidency, which follows seniority within the quorum. His appointment fills the vacancy left by the recent passing of President Russell M. Nelson and the subsequent appointment of Dallin H. Oaks as the new church president.
Originally from Bordeaux, France, Caussé is the third European to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve. Over the past decade, he has served as a presiding bishop, managing the faith’s finances and welfare programs. During his tenure, the church expanded its humanitarian efforts and increased its global presence with the construction of new temples. Caussé has often addressed the church’s financial transparency, stating in 2020, “We really consider those funds as belonging to the Lord.”
The faith, commonly known as the Mormon church, maintains a portfolio valued at $58 billion through its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors Inc. Its business interests span real estate, agriculture, publishing, life insurance, educational institutions, and cultural centers, including a well-known shopping mall in Salt Lake City.
Caussé’s appointment comes amid a shift in leadership priorities. While the church had previously experienced a temple-building surge under Nelson, Oaks announced at a recent general conference that the pace of new temple announcements would slow. This marks a notable change from previous policies.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has seen an increase in diversity over the years. During Nelson’s presidency, the church appointed its first Latin American and Asian ancestry apostles. This diversity reflects the church’s global membership, with over half of its 17.5 million adherents residing outside the United States.
Apostles are typically older men with successful careers outside of their church roles. Prior to his religious service, Caussé was the general manager of Pomona, a French food distribution company. His predecessors in the quorum have backgrounds in government, accounting, and nonprofit management.
For more on the church’s temple-building initiatives, visit here.
