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Mormon Church leader dies at 97

Gordon Hinckley, the Mormon Church's oldest president who presided over one of the greatest periods of expansion in its history, has died. He was 97.

Hinckley, the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died on Sunday of complications arising from old age, Church spokesman Mike Otterson said.

"His life was a true testament of service, and he had an abiding love for others," said US Senator Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican and fellow Mormon. "His wit, wisdom, and exemplary leadership will be missed by not only members of our faith, but by people of all faiths throughout the world."

Hinckley had been diagnosed with diabetes and was hospitalized in January 2006 for the removal of a cancerous growth in his large intestine.

In April 2006, he told a Church conference he was in the "sunset of my life" and "totally in the hands of the Lord." But six months later, Hinckley told followers that doctors had given him a clean bill of health and he resumed a regular work schedule.

By unfailing tradition, at a Church president's death, the Church's most senior apostle is ordained within days on a unanimous vote of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. The most long-serving apostle now is Thomas Monson, 80.

Before Hinckley, the oldest Church president was David McKay who was 96 when he died in 1970.

Hinckley, a grandson of Mormon pioneers, was president for nearly 13 years. He took over as president and prophet on March 12, 1995, and oversaw one of the greatest periods of expansion in Church history.
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