In a bold move that highlights global diversity, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has appointed Gérald Caussé, a French leader with deep ties to finances and the environment, as its newest apostle. This change shakes up the faith’s top ranks and sparks questions about its future direction.
From France to Faith Leadership
Gérald Caussé, 62, stepped into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on November 6, 2025, after serving as the church’s presiding bishop for a decade. President Dallin H. Oaks ordained him that same day, filling a spot left by the death of former President Russell M. Nelson.
This appointment marks Caussé as the first French apostle in the church’s history. He joins fellow Europeans Dieter F. Uchtdorf from Germany and Patrick Kearon from Britain, adding to the quorum’s international flavor.
Caussé’s rise comes just weeks after Oaks took over as the church’s 18th president. Born in Bordeaux, France, Caussé has long been a key figure in managing the church’s worldwide operations.
Before his church roles, he built a career in the food industry, rising to general manager of a major distribution company in France. That business savvy later shaped his work as presiding bishop.
Mastering Church Finances and Growth
As presiding bishop since 2015, Caussé oversaw the church’s massive financial empire, including real estate, investments, and humanitarian efforts. He became the third bishop born outside the U.S. and the first with English as a second language.
The church’s investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, holds a portfolio worth $58.4 billion in U.S. stocks, bonds, and funds as of June 2025, according to public reports. Independent analyses suggest total investments could reach $206 billion.
Caussé has stressed that this wealth stems from members’ tithing and wise financial principles. In a 2018 statement, he noted how early church members faced hardships but built lasting prosperity through provident living and avoiding debt.
He shared a vision of massive growth in a 2023 interview, saying the church, with 17.5 million members, could multiply in size to spread the gospel worldwide.
Under his watch, the church ramped up temple building, creating a global boom that expanded access for members everywhere.
Caussé’s financial role drew attention in recent years, including headlines about the church’s holdings. He defended the approach as essential for long-term stability and outreach.
Championing the Environment as Sacred Duty
Beyond money matters, Caussé stands out for his strong push on environmental care. He sees protecting the planet as a core part of faith.
In a 2022 General Conference talk, he urged members to honor God’s creations by conserving resources. “The care of the Earth is a sacred responsibility,” he said, linking it directly to discipleship.
That same year, at a Brazil conference, he outlined key priorities for sustainability.
Here are some of those focus areas:
- Using renewable energy sources to cut reliance on fossil fuels.
- Conserving water in church buildings and farms.
- Reducing waste through better designs and practices.
- Improving air quality and promoting sustainable farming.
BYU ecology professor Ben Abbott praised Caussé’s views, saying they reflect a theology that values the physical world and how people treat it.
Caussé’s environmental stance could influence church policies, encouraging members to see green living as part of their spiritual path. This approach resonates in a time when climate concerns affect everyone, from farmers to city dwellers.
His messages often tie back to Jesus Christ, whom he calls the center of his life. This blend of faith and action sets him apart.
Personal Roots and Global Impact
Caussé grew up as a second-generation Latter-day Saint in France. At 19, he moved to Paris, where he met and married Valérie Babin in 1986. They have five children.
The family faced challenges with multiple moves for church duties, first to Germany and then the U.S. Caussé has spoken about their sacrifices, admiring how the kids adapted without complaint.
“We admire them for being so consecrated,” he said in a recent release. One child even cried nightly but stayed encouraging.
Reactions to his appointment poured in quickly. Utah historian Ardis Parshall called him loving and intelligent after a personal interview.
Others noted his skill in connecting with diverse groups. Religious studies student Vinna Chowiariamah said his French background helps bridge secular communities, especially in growing African regions where French is spoken.
Latter-day Saint scholar Sam Brunson recalled Caussé’s adaptable speaking style at an academic event, showing his ability to fit different settings.
Caussé’s talents extend to music too. He once performed a piano duet at a youth conference, charming attendees.
This personal touch makes him relatable, potentially drawing in younger members and those from varied backgrounds.
Timeline of Caussé’s Key Milestones
To understand his journey, here’s a quick look at major steps in his life and career:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1963 | Born in Bordeaux, France |
| 1986 | Marries Valérie Babin |
| 2008 | Called as a general authority Seventy |
| 2015 | Becomes presiding bishop |
| 2022 | Delivers key talk on environmental care |
| 2025 | Appointed to Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
This path shows steady growth from local roots to global leadership.
His appointment fills a gap created by Nelson’s passing at age 101 and another apostle’s move to the First Presidency. As a special witness of Christ, Caussé now helps guide the church’s operations worldwide.
In the end, Gérald Caussé’s appointment as the new apostle brings fresh energy to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, blending financial wisdom, environmental passion, and a global outlook that could shape its path for years. This move not only honors his decades of service but also signals a more diverse leadership ready to tackle modern challenges like climate change and church expansion. What do you think about this choice, and how might it affect the faith’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word with friends on social media. The topic is buzzing on X with #NewLDSApostle trending right now, so join the conversation and share this article using that hashtag.
