These are the world’s oldest religious leaders

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is witnessing a significant milestone as its president, Russell M. Nelson, celebrates his 100th birthday on September 9, 2024. Born in 1924, Nelson has led the church through substantial growth, with membership increasing from 597,861 at the end of his birth year to approximately 17.3 million in 2024. This growth reflects a 3.8% increase in membership so far this year, following a 1.5% rise in 2023. The leadership of the church is notable for its age, with six of the fifteen members in the top leadership panels being 80 years or older. Alongside Nelson, prominent leaders include Dallin Oaks (92), Henry B. Eyring (91), and Jeffrey Holland (83). This trend of older leadership is not unique to the Latter-day Saints; it is observed across various religious traditions worldwide. In the broader context of religious leadership, Alexandre do Nascimento, the archbishop emeritus of Luanda, Angola, is currently the oldest living Catholic cardinal at 99 years old. Other notable figures include Ali al-Sistani, the grand ayatollah for Shia Muslims, who is 94, and the Dalai Lama, who is 89. This highlights a pattern where religious leaders often remain in their positions well beyond typical retirement ages. The longevity of these leaders raises questions about the dynamics of leadership within religious organizations and the implications for their communities. As these leaders age, the transition to new leadership becomes increasingly relevant, impacting the future direction and governance of their respective faiths.