Fijian members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have joined  millions of church members worldwide to mourn the death of their world leader Thomas S Monson.

The church president was 90 years old.

Lote Qoroya the president of the Nausori Stake, said President Monson was much loved and revered. He said that President Monson, who the members regard as a modern-day prophet, was a friend to all.

He said President Monson was well-known for going “to the rescue” to help people in need.

A church statement said: “President Monson served more than 50 years as an Apostle of Jesus Christ and left a lifelong legacy of faith and service.

Funeral services will be held on January 12 at Salt Lake City, Utah in the United States, where the church headquarters is based.

Facts on Thomas S Monson:

Born August 21, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Served in the US Naval Reserve.

Studied business at the University of Utah.

Married Frances Johnson on October 7, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Called to be a bishop at age 22, a counsellor in the stake presidency at age 27, and a mission president in Canada at age 31.

Became an Apostle in 1963 at age 36—the youngest Apostle called since 1910.

Earned a master’s degree in business administration while serving as an Apostle.

Served as a counsellor in the First Presidency for 22 years.

Set apart and ordained as the 16th President of the Church on February 3, 2008. LDS.org

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