President Russell M. Nelson, the beloved prophet and 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, September 27, at the age of 101.

He was the oldest president in the history of the global faith, which now numbers over 17.5 million members.

A Life of Unparalleled Service

President Nelson’s extraordinary life was marked by twin careers of distinguished service in both medicine and faith.

Pioneering Surgeon: Before dedicating himself to full-time Church service, Russell M. Nelson was an internationally renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and a medical trailblazer. He led the University of Utah’s cardiothoracic program for nearly two decades, and his surgical skill and research were credited with saving countless lives.
Prophetic Leadership: He was called as an Apostle in 1984 and became the Church’s President in January 2018 at the age of 93. His seven-year tenure as the prophet was one of the most transformative in modern Church history, focusing heavily on what he termed “thinking celestial” and accelerating the global growth of the Church.
Legacy of Change: His presidency is remembered for several significant adjustments, including a call to use the full, official name of the Church, a re-emphasis on home-centered worship, and an unprecedented acceleration in the announcement and construction of new temples worldwide, with over 200 temples announced during his time as President. He also led the Church through the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Succession and Tributes

Church protocol dictates that a new President is not formally chosen until after the funeral of the preceding prophet. Attention now turns to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where the most senior member, President Dallin H. Oaks, is expected to assume the role.

Tributes have poured in from around the world, honoring his legacy as a healer of both hearts and souls:

Utah Governor Spencer Cox referred to him as “a prophet of God, a gentle leader, and a voice for peacemaking.”
Former Senator Mitt Romney praised President Nelson’s kindness and noted his focus on “centering the gospel in the home.”

President Nelson is survived by his wife, Sister Wendy W. Nelson, eight of his ten children, 57 grandchildren, and over 167 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by the Church.