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As expected, Russell M. Nelson, a retired heart surgeon, has been appointed president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Utah-based LDS Church.

In a Mormon ritual known as being "set apart," LDS President Thomas S. Monson offered a prayer Wednesday — while laying hands on Nelson's head — officially making the 90-year-old Nelson the head of the quorum.

He succeeds Boyd K. Packer, who died July 3 at age 90.

Nelson, who now will be referred to as "President Nelson," also is next in line to take over the church's leadership.

It is the LDS Church's long-standing practice that the senior member by date of assignment to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the group's president.

Nelson joined the quorum in April 1984, just weeks ahead of fellow apostle Dallin H. Oaks.

The Quorum of the Twelve is the second-highest presiding body — after the three-member governing First Presidency — in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.