In a momentous period for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, two new apostles—Elder Gérald Caussé of France and Elder Clark G. Gilbert of California—have stepped into their sacred roles, filling vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles following the recent deaths of President Russell M. Nelson and President Jeffrey R. Holland. Their appointments, announced ahead of the April 2026 general conference, mark not only personal milestones but also pivotal moments in Church leadership, as members worldwide prepare to sustain these new spiritual leaders.
Each man brings a distinctive background and deeply personal journey to his apostleship. Elder Caussé, who previously served as the Church’s presiding bishop, described his calling as an experience filled with both "shock" and an "overwhelming sense of God’s love." According to Church News, he ultimately embraced the new responsibility with joy, drawing strength from scripture—particularly Doctrine and Covenants 68:5-6, which promises the Lord’s companionship in every mission. "I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and the necessity of acceptance for the position of Apostle," Elder Caussé reflected. His commitment is rooted in a lifelong faith, shaped by his parents’ conversion and the "consecrated family" environment that fostered his testimony.
Elder Gilbert’s path, though different in geography and experience, shares a similar reliance on divine support. Born in Oakland, California, on June 18, 1970, Elder Gilbert’s academic and professional journey took him from Brigham Young University to Stanford and Harvard, and later to teaching and executive roles—including as CEO of Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media. His leadership at BYU-Idaho and as the inaugural president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide further broadened his perspective. Yet, it was his missionary service in Japan, grappling with the language and culture, that cemented his belief in the partnership between personal effort and divine assistance. "Despite the challenges ahead, I am confident the Lord will empower me to fulfill my assignment," Elder Gilbert told Church News after his ordination.
These themes of divine help and spiritual return were front and center in Elder Gilbert’s first general conference address as an apostle, delivered during the Saturday morning session of April 2026. His message, widely quoted by LDS Daily and other outlets, centered on the Savior’s invitation for all to "come home." He described Jesus Christ as both Redeemer and Repairer, extending a universal call to reconciliation, healing, and belonging. "I have repeatedly witnessed people finding their way home. It may not have always come quickly, but it happened—over and over again," Elder Gilbert testified. His words underscored the persistent nature of divine love and the hope of spiritual return, even after periods of wandering or doubt.
Elder Gilbert’s address was deeply personal. He shared gratitude for the sustaining support of his wife, Christine, and their eight children, especially as they faced early struggles with infertility. The couple found solace and hope in faith and art—particularly in Minerva Teichert’s painting of a pioneer mother beckoning others to follow. "Like that young mother, we were pleading for our future children, together with our family. Eventually, they did come, but our years of hoping and praying were difficult," he recalled.
In his remarks, Elder Gilbert also recounted stories of individuals overcoming doubts, feelings of inadequacy, or tradition-based hesitations to return to the Church. There was Sister Tammy C., who after three decades away, found her way back through small steps and the encouragement of an inspired bishop. There was the Vargas family in San Antonio, Texas, where a father’s desire to become a better husband and father led to his baptism and temple sealing. And there were Justin and Kenna Valdez, who moved away from their religious roots but, through their son’s desire for baptism and a wise stake president’s visit, found their way back to full Church participation and temple ordinances. "We promised that as they anchored themselves in what they did believe, the Lord would help them with what they didn’t. Six months later, Kenna texted, ‘We’re ready to be sealed as a family,’" Elder Gilbert shared.
He also spoke of John Ross, who hesitated to join the Church out of respect for his parents’ traditions, but ultimately found support and joy in conversion and temple sealing. Each story, Elder Gilbert emphasized, illustrates that while societal pressures may pull people away from faith, deeper life questions and the Savior’s invitation persist. As President Russell M. Nelson once taught, "The truth is that it is much more exhausting to seek happiness where you can never find it." The journey home, Elder Gilbert said, begins by "reanchoring on the Savior. Only Jesus Christ can fully restore light and joy."
For those struggling or helping loved ones along their spiritual path, Elder Gilbert’s counsel was both practical and compassionate: "We all struggle. We need patience, service, and love from others. To those trying to help loved ones, hold on to the truth. Keep your covenants. To those struggling to come home, know that it is your Savior who is calling you back." He concluded with a moving analogy from a recent Brigham Young University devotional, where students used phone flashlights to signal open seats to latecomers—an image of inclusion and invitation. "As if holding up a light to say, ‘Come sit with me. We saved a seat just for you.’"
Throughout this period of transition and testimony, Elder Caussé and Elder Gilbert have highlighted the vital role of family support. Elder Caussé credits his family’s faith and gospel-centered home for shaping his commitment, describing the joy that comes from shared gospel discussions and experiences. Elder Gilbert, for his part, underscores the importance of collaboration with his wife Christine, who has been a partner in faith and decision-making through every challenge and calling.
Both apostles have also engaged in outreach beyond the pulpit. Elder Gilbert’s recent participation in a Harvard University discussion on the role of faith in the public square, as well as his media interviews and Church News podcast appearances, demonstrate a commitment to bridging spiritual principles with contemporary societal issues. Elder Caussé, too, has expressed excitement about extending the love he has felt through the Church to a broader audience, focusing on being an "ambassador of love for the Savior."
Their unified mission is clear: to witness the divinity of Jesus Christ and share His message of love, hope, and the possibility of spiritual return. As Elder Gilbert solemnly declared, "I witness that Christ is our Redeemer. When we fall short, He repairs the breaches in our lives. The Savior loves all of us and is tenderly calling for you and for me to come home." With gratitude, resolve, and a deep sense of divine responsibility, these new apostles stand ready to serve, inspire, and lead the Church into its next chapter.