The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Elder Gérald Caussé as the newest member of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
"It was probably one of the most emotional moments of my life," Caussé said.
Elder Gérald Caussé has been called to serve as an apostle of the Lord after the death of President Russell M. Nelson.
"You don't plan for such a thing to happen in your life, but I also feel a lot of joy today," Caussé said. "There's joy, not in the circumstance, but in the focus of our lives."
Elder Caussé, who is a native of Bordeaux, France, has been previously serving as the Presiding Bishop of the Church at the time of his call and is now the fourth member of the current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles born outside the United States.
Apostles of the Church are to act as special witnesses of Jesus Christ, and Elder Caussé plans to wear that badge with honor.
"To know that I've been called to be a special witness of Jesus Christ is something that brings joy to my life, to the life of my family, to my hear," Elder Caussé said. "And I am grateful for the opportunity. It's something that is a great privilege and a great honor."
Elder Caussé, who was then Bishop Caussé, visited BYU-Idaho and gave a devotional in November 2023. In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, he talked about how we can best comprehend and show our appreciated for Jesus Christ.
"I think one important thing to do in our life is to get closer to Jesus Christ, to learn about Him," Elder Caussé said. "And the best way to know Him is to serve Him and to serve our fellow men and women in the way that he would do it. If we try to imitate his teachings, if we try to emulate his example and be like Him, try to love people as he would love them, try to serve them as he would serve them, we'll develop that love for Jesus Christ and feel of His love in our heart."
Elder Caussé was called and ordained an apostle by President Dallin H. Oaks and the other members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.