Who Will Replace Mormon Church President? Thomas Monson Will Not Attend Daily Church Meetings

Thomas Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will not attend Church office meetings on a regular basis due to his aging health, the church said Tuesday.

"Because of limitations incident to his age, President Monson is no longer attending meetings at the Church offices on a regular basis. He communicates and confers with his counselors on matters as needed. President Monson is grateful that the work of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continues without interruption. He appreciates the prayers and support of Church members," read a statement released by the church.

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According to the church's tradition, the next longest-tenured member of the church's governing Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the next president.

Monson's current successor-in-the-wings is Russell M. Nelson, 92, who is the current President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, according to Mormonism Research Ministry.

Nelson was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 7, 1984 and chosen as the President on July 15, 2015, according to the church's website.

After Nelson, the next three men in line to succeed the prophet are octogenarians — Dallin H. Oaks, 84, Russell Ballard, 88 and Robert D. Hales, 83.

Monson became the president of the church in 2008 after serving as a first counselor to his predecessor, former President Gordon Hinckley. Monson's health has been slipping over the past few years. In early April, Monson was hospitalized after he reported "not feeling well" and was released a few days later after receiving treatment in fluids. Reuters reported the president had been suffering from dehydration.

Monson's hospitalization came after he spoke to church members at the religion's twice-a-year conference in Salt Lake City where he had skipped some sessions as well.

During the conference, Monson announced plans for construction of new temples in Brazil, the Philippines, Kenya, as well as in the U.S. states of Idaho and Utah.

In Oct. 2016, church officials said Monson was "feeling the effects of advancing age," however, he still continued to come to the office every day, reports said.

Monson knew his age would not allow him to continue with his daily activities at the church, so he scaled back his duties, Fox 13 reported citing Heidi Swinton, Monson's biographer.

“I think his body is wearing out, and I think he knows that. And I think he recognizes what strength he can do, and what it can’t do,” said Swinton. She added: "I think that if we count the mileage on President Monson, we’d see that President Monson has been around the world so many times, and seen so many people, and it’s now showing up. It’s taking a little bit of a toll on him."

Meanwhile, on the social media, Monson's followers tweeted their prayers for him as well as some of his famous sayings.