We are in the midst of an apostolic interregnum. What is that?

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The death of President Russell M. Nelson automatically dissolved the First Presidency on Saturday night and launched an apostolic interregnum — a period when the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The end of a First Presidency that lasted more than seven-and-a-half years means that Presidents Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring have returned to the Quorum of the Twelve.

That means the quorum temporarily has 14 members with the senior apostle, President Oaks, as its president.

An apostolic interregnum is a rare moment in the church, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland told the Deseret News in 2018.

“It’s a great