Hinckley, Gordon

SALT LAKE CITY — Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was credited with creating a more global, more visible church, died Jan. 27 at age 97. Known for expanding the Mormon faith throughout the world, Hinckley personally brought his church’s message to some 60 countries total and oversaw the construction of a string of new temples around the world where the most sacred rituals in Mormon life could be practiced. When he died, the Mormon church counted close to 13 million members in 171 nations and territories.

If the traditional church process is followed, Hinckley will likely be succeeded by Thomas S. Monson, who has served as first counselor to Hinckley and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Church leaders said that election would not be held until after Hinckley’s funeral.