Jeffrey R. Holland, a senior leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a longtime member of its top governing body, has died at the age of 85, the church announced. Holland passed away early Saturday morning in Salt Lake City due to complications related to kidney disease.

Holland served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a powerful council that helps guide church doctrine and oversee its global operations. As the second-most senior apostle, he was next in line to lead the faith under its established succession system. Church President Dallin H. Oaks, 93, assumed leadership in October. Following Holland’s death, Henry B. Eyring, 92, is now next in line for the presidency.

Hospitalized over the Christmas holiday, Holland had faced ongoing health challenges in recent months. His death creates a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, which is expected to be filled in the coming months. A former president of Brigham Young University, Holland was known for his powerful preaching, emphasis on education, and influence within the global church