RTFA: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080204/ap_on_re_us/mo…

SALT LAKE CITY - Thomas S. Monson, a leader who became known for his folksy storytelling as he ascended through church ranks, was introduced Monday as the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Monson, 80, succeeds Gordon B. Hinckley, who died last month at age 97. Out of respect for the deceased president, the Mormon church never names a successor until after funeral services. Hinckley was buried Saturday.

The church relies on a pattern of apostolic succession in selecting a new president. Since the early part of the 20th century, the position has always passed to the most-senior member of its Council of Twelve Apostles, the second-tier of church leadership. Monson was formally chosen Sunday and ordained in a private ceremony inside the Salt Lake Temple.

RTFA: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7212488.stm

Gordon Hinckley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has died, aged 97.

He was president of the Church - better known as the Mormons - for 13 years.

The post is held for life, and Hinckley lived to become the oldest ever president, seeing church membership expand to 13 million people.

His death comes amid increased public scrutiny of the Church, as one of its members, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, runs for US president.