Meet the new Primary general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

President Rosemary K. Chibota was recently sustained as the new Primary general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, beginning her service on August 1, 2026. She was called to this leadership role during the Saturday afternoon session of the 196th Annual General Conference on April 4, 2026. Chibota, who was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to Malawian parents, will be the first African to lead an organization general presidency in the Church.

Chibota expressed a mix of emotions upon receiving her call to serve, including feelings of being overwhelmed and inadequate, alongside joy and peace. She attributed these emotions to the prayers and comfort she has received from members of the Church. “I know that there are a lot of people praying for me, and I have felt that peace from the prayers and comfort,” she shared.

A central focus of Chibota’s leadership will be serving “God’s finest, the little children.” She expressed admiration for children, citing scripture that emphasizes the importance of humility and childlike faith in entering the kingdom of heaven. “I look up to them a lot because the Lord said [that] except we repent and become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven,” she said.

Chibota’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Church, as it reflects a growing diversity in its leadership. She has received messages of love and support from people of various cultures and backgrounds. While she acknowledges the significance of this milestone, she emphasized that her call to serve is rooted in her faith and identity. “The Lord calls us for who we are,” she said.

Chibota’s husband was previously called as a Black mission president in Alabama, an experience she sees as parallel to her own calling. This reflects the Church’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and representation in its leadership roles.

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