When LDS General Conference gets under way today, Latter-day Saints are likely to learn the identity of their new apostle.

If a loose tradition of naming new apostles during conference bears out, President Thomas S. Monson will name a selection Mormons believe is inspired by God to replace Joseph B. Wirthlin, who died in December at age 91.

The decision rests entirely with Monson, who will be making his second appointment to the LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since becoming the faith's prophet, seer and revelator last year upon Gordon B. Hinckley's death. Monson a year ago named D. Todd Christofferson to take his place as an apostle.

The only rule dictating how the newest apostle will be chosen is that the selection must be a male member of the church.

Because it's a lifetime position, the process favors men who have proven their worth.

Although Monson will make the final decision, current apostles each will propose three names on a slip of paper. With or without open discussion, the results of the secret ballot will be forwarded to the prophet.

Likely candidates, given that a number of current apostles were educators before their appointments, include Kim Clark, president of BYU-Idaho, and Steven Wheelwright of BYU-Hawaii.

The two most recent apostles, Christofferson and Quentin L. Cook, and three of the past four have been called from the First Quorum of Seventy, the third tier of the church's hierarchy, which makes that pool a reasonable place to look for possible candidates.

Intriguing possibilities include Brazilian Claudio Costa or Uruguayan Walter González. If either of them is chosen, he will be the church's first Latino apostle.

Another possibility is Whitney Clayton, the LDS authority assigned to supervise and assist the church's high-profile and successful campaign in favor of Proposition 8, the California initiative that banned same-sex marriage.

Monson also may choose Marlin Jensen, the church's official historian.

The selection of a new apostle is a serious matter due to the enormous responsibility associated with the calling. LDS apostles oversee vast resources, departments and tasks. They give sermons nearly every week around the world. At conference this weekend, apostles will give speeches that will be considered almost scripture to be scrutinized and revered by many of the church's 13 million members worldwide. They make momentous decisions about the church's future, including when to take political positions, where to build new temples and when to change church policies.

They are also on an inexorable climb to the top of the church. The man who outlives the apostles named before him will ascend to the church's highest office -- the prophet/president.