In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leadership transitions don’t involve campaign trails or secret ballots. There’s no “wait and see” drama. Instead, the Church follows a rock-solid principle that has provided stability for over a century: apostolic seniority.
But with recent changes in the Quorum of the Twelve, the “line of succession” looks a little different than it did just a few weeks ago.
If you’re wondering who is currently next in line to lead the Church after President Dallin H. Oaks, here is the breakdown.
How Prophetic Succession Actually Works
Before we get to the names, let’s clear up the “how.” The process is automatic, consistent, and—believe it or not—entirely based on a calendar.
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It’s all about the date: Seniority isn’t determined by how old an apostle is; it’s determined by the date they were ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve.
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The “Senior Apostle”: When the President of the Church passes away, the most senior apostle (the one who has been there the longest) becomes the next Prophet and President.
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No Guesswork: This system ensures there is never a “power vacuum” or confusion during a transition.
The Current Shift: What Changed on December 27, 2025?
For a long time, the path forward seemed set. When President Oaks transitioned into his current role, Jeffrey R. Holland was the next most senior apostle. Based on the established order, he was “next in line.”
However, the passing of Elder Holland on December 27, 2025, shifted the seniority of the entire Quorum.
So, Who Is Next After President Oaks?
With the recent vacancy in the Quorum, the mantle of seniority has moved to the next person on the list.
The Bottom Line: Based on current apostolic seniority, Henry B. Eyring is now next in line to become the President of the Church after Dallin H. Oaks.
President Eyring was ordained an apostle in April 1995. Because he has served longer than any other member of the Quorum (aside from President Oaks), he is the designated successor under the current system.
Why We Don’t Usually Talk About “Succession”
You’ve probably noticed that Church leaders don’t spend much time talking about who’s next. You won’t see “Next Prophet” countdowns on official channels. There’s a beautiful reason for that: The focus is always on the present.
The Church emphasizes sustaining current leadership rather than speculating on the future. This approach creates:
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Stability: No one is “running” for office.
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Continuity: The transition is handled with peace and respect.
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Focus: It keeps the membership centered on current prophetic guidance.
Summary of the Current Line of Seniority
While things can always change based on health and longevity, the “top three” in terms of seniority currently stands as:
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Dallin H. Oaks (Current President)
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Henry B. Eyring (Next in line)
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Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Following President Eyring)