BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhuanet)-- Thomas S. Monson will possibly be the next president of the Mormon Churn if tradition of the church is observed, U.S. media reported Tuesday.

    Succession to the presidency is historically based on seniority. The senior-most member of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles automatically receive the title when a president dies.

    Monson, 80, is in line to succeed Gordon B. Hinckley who died Sunday at age 97.

    Monson was named a church apostle in 1963 at age 36, one of the youngest men ever called to the highest levels of church leadership.

    He was Hinckley's first counselor, and also served as second counselor to two previous presidents before Hinckely.

    He was described as soft-spoken, open and approachable, and known among Latter-day Saints for his folksy humor.

    His speeches and parable-like stories at the twice-yearly church conferences in Salt Lake City drew tens of thousands of people.

    "He has a very personally commanding presence, and people naturally like him. He's got a remarkable memory,"said Roy Williams, chief executive officer of the Scout's national council.

     (Agencies)

Mormon church's oldest president dies at 97

    BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- Gordon B. Hinckley, the Mormon church's oldest president died of complications in Salt Lake City on Sunday at the age of 97, media reported Monday. Full story