Founded in 1830 by a frontier prophet in tiny Fayette, N.Y., and known as an American-born faith, the LDS Church now has members in 176 nations, and more members live outside the United States than within its borders. In recent years, it has grown most rapidly in Central and South America.

At age 67, President Uchtdorf was one of the youngest members of the Quorum of the Twelve and said he is "joyfully overwhelmed" by his new responsibilities. "It's something which is a great honor. I'm very humbled by the call. I know this call must have come from God, because human beings might have had a difficult time to do the same."

As the church continues to grow around the world, President Monson said the growth of temple-building seen during President Hinckley's administration will continue, and he looks forward to the dedication of the newest temple — the 125th built by the church — in Rexburg, Idaho, this weekend.

When asked if women should seek education as a means of personal fulfillment, rather than simply as preparation for possible divorce or death of a spouse, he said preparation for any eventuality is important and that personal satisfaction comes from setting educational goals and achieving them.

Regarding another question about whether church members could disagree with the faith's opposition to legalizing same-sex unions and still remain in good standing, he said the answer "depends on what the disagreement is."

"If it's an apostasy situation, that would not be appropriate. If it's something political, there is room for opinion here and there on either side."

He said the church will maintain its openness with the press, largely instituted during President Hinckley's administration. "I believe in an open book and access (by) the media."

Both President Eyring and President Uchtdorf lauded President Hinckley's leadership and expressed their confidence in President Monson's ability to lead the church forward.

President Eyring, 74, had only served in the First Presidency since October, called as second counselor to President Hinckley after the death of President James E. Faust in August.

He said he has seen President Monson's "goodness and capacity and love for people" and is grateful for the "opportunity to see his influence and power" go forward to bless not only the LDS Church, but "the whole world. I pledge to him my total love and support."

Asked how he reacted, knowing he would lead the church upon President Hinckley's death, President Monson said the thing he found most helpful was "going to my knees," asking God to "go before my face, on my right hand and on my left hand." He said he asked for God's "spirit in my heart and angels round about me to bear me up."