President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has been appointed as the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This appointment was made official by President Dallin H. Oaks, the Prophet and President of the Church, on January 8, at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Background and Career
Presiding over a significant leadership role, President Uchtdorf, now 85, has a rich history within the Church. He was ordained as an apostle on October 7, 2004, at the age of 63, and has been a general authority since April 1994. Prior to this new role, he served as the second counselor in the First Presidency under President Thomas S. Monson from 2008 to 2018.
Following the passing of President Jeffrey R. Holland on December 27, 2025, President Uchtdorf became the third-most-senior apostle in the Church hierarchy, just after President Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring.
Early Life and Military Service
- Born: November 6, 1940, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia.
- Converted to the Church: Family joined in Germany in 1947.
- Military: Joined the German Air Force in 1959, serving as a fighter pilot.
Aviation Career
In 1965, President Uchtdorf transitioned to become a commercial pilot for Lufthansa German Airlines. He climbed the management ladder until retirement in 1995.
Leadership Roles in the Church
As a General Authority Seventy, he contributed to various leadership roles within the church. President Uchtdorf led multiple area presidencies, both in Europe and the United States, and was part of the Presidency of the Seventy from 2002 to 2004.
Role of the Acting President
In his capacity as acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Uchtdorf will oversee the quorum’s activities. This group stands as the second-highest presiding body within the Church’s governance structure.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles holds the vital responsibility of serving as “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world,” according to Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. They are tasked with both spiritual and administrative functions, contributing to the Church’s global mission.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Directing apostolic functions and missions globally.
- Organizing new congregations.
- Conducting Church business.
- Meeting with leaders of nations and other faiths.
President Uchtdorf’s appointment as acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles marks a significant moment in the Church’s leadership, guiding its future direction and mission.
