(The Hill) — Jeffrey R. Holland of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died on Saturday from kidney disease, the Church announced.

Holland, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was next in line to lead the Mormon Church based on a long-established succession plan, according to The Associated Press. Dallin H. Oaks became the Church’s president in October.

There are more than 17 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide.

Holland, 85, was formerly president of Brigham Young University (BYU) for nine years after holding the Commissioner of the Church Educational System post from 1976 to 1980.

His career with BYU kicked off in 1974 when Holland was selected to serve as dean of BYU’s College of Religious Education, according to the Church’s announcement.

“No church leader has had a more profound impact on my faith than Elder Holland,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R), a member of the Church, wrote on the social platform X. “Like millions of others mourning today, his words had a way of penetrating my soul like no others. In times of trial or darkness, I would return to them over and over again and feel the light and peace I needed.”

Holland is survived by his three children, 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. His wife, Patricia Terry, passed in 2023.