Meet Elder Gérald Caussé: The French apostle leading a global faith into a new era of stewardship and service

In a landmark development for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Gérald Caussé, a native of Bordeaux, France, has been called to serve as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — one of the Church’s highest and most sacred governing bodies. His ordination, conducted on Thursday, November 6, 2025, by President Dallin H. Oaks and other senior leaders, marks a significant chapter in the Church’s growing international representation and leadership diversity.

The announcement, which came as a surprise to many, brings a seasoned and globally minded leader into a position of immense spiritual and administrative responsibility. Elder Caussé, 62, previously served as the Church’s Presiding Bishop for over a decade, overseeing vast humanitarian efforts, welfare programs, and financial stewardship across continents. He becomes the first Frenchman and first non-native English speaker to serve as Presiding Bishop and now as Apostle — a historic milestone in the Church’s 195-year history.

Reflecting on his new calling, Elder Caussé said, “I’ve always had a testimony of Jesus Christ. He has always been at the center of my life. I know that He lives, and I know He is our Savior and Redeemer. To be a witness of Christ is the greatest responsibility one can have in this life.”

A Lifetime of Service and Leadership

Elder Caussé’s journey to apostleship has been defined by faith, family, and a deep sense of stewardship. Born to Jean and Marie-Blanche Caussé, who converted to the faith when he was an infant, he grew up in small congregations of first-generation Latter-day Saints in France. His spiritual foundation was nurtured through humble beginnings, which he often describes as “simple but deeply faithful.”

He married his childhood acquaintance, Valérie Babin, in 1986 at the Bern Switzerland Temple, and together they have raised five children. Their ministry has taken them across the globe — from France to Germany and eventually to the United States — as Elder Caussé rose through the ranks of Church leadership.

Before entering full-time ecclesiastical service, he earned a degree equivalent to a master’s in business administration and served as managing director of Pomona, France’s largest food distribution company. His professional experience brought a refined sense of global business strategy, which later shaped his financial oversight within the Church.

Championing Humanitarian Efforts and Environmental Stewardship

As Presiding Bishop, Elder Caussé became known for expanding the Church’s humanitarian and environmental initiatives. Under his leadership, humanitarian spending increased by more than 60% between 2020 and 2024. He emphasized sustainability as a divine responsibility, teaching that “caring for the Earth is an act of discipleship and gratitude to the Creator.”

At a 2023 conference in Brazil, he outlined the Church’s six priorities for sustainability: renewable energy, water conservation, waste reduction, air quality improvement, sustainable architecture, and responsible agriculture. His message was simple but profound — that the care of creation is not just ecological, but spiritual.

Elder Caussé has also been a passionate advocate for youth engagement and global service. His leadership of the JustServe initiative connected over one million volunteers worldwide, strengthening communities through selfless acts of service. “Service,” he once said, “may be the most powerful force for good in the world. It blesses both the giver and the receiver.”

An Apostle for a Global Church

With Elder Caussé’s appointment, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continues to reflect the Church’s expanding international reach. He now joins Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of Germany, Elder Patrick Kearon of England, and Elder Ulisses Soares of Brazil as European and South American voices shaping global Latter-day Saint leadership.

The new Apostle’s words echo hope and humility: “This message of hope and comfort is for all of us, children of God. None of us can escape the challenges of mortality, but we are all blessed with the grace of Jesus Christ, who saves us after all we can do.”

As Elder Caussé steps into this sacred lifelong calling, he represents not only a growing global faith but also a generation of leaders who see discipleship as stewardship — caring for souls, communities, and the Earth itself.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Elder Gérald Caussé?
A1: Elder Gérald Caussé is a French leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, newly appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in November 2025.

Q2: What are the responsibilities of an Apostle in the Church?
A2: Apostles are lifelong witnesses of Jesus Christ and oversee the spiritual and administrative growth of the global Church.

Q3: Why is Elder Caussé’s appointment significant?
A3: He is the first Frenchman and non-native English speaker to serve as Presiding Bishop and Apostle, reflecting the Church’s international expansion.

Q4: What initiatives did he lead as Presiding Bishop?
A4: He directed major humanitarian efforts, welfare programs, and environmental sustainability projects, increasing the Church’s global outreach.

Q5: What is his message to Church members?
A5: Elder Caussé emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ, care for creation, and service to others as essential expressions of discipleship.