SALT LAKE CITY – President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a pioneer in open-heart surgery, passed away peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City shortly after 10 p.m. MDT. He was 101 years old, the oldest president in the Church’s history.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. Following Church tradition, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will meet after the funeral to formally select and set apart the next President of the Church.
A Life of Devotion and Family
President Nelson is remembered for his gentleness, unwavering faith, and lifelong commitment to service. He is survived by his wife, Wendy L. Nelson, eight of his 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and more than 167 great-grandchildren.
The Church’s official announcement paid tribute to his nearly four decades as an Apostle and nearly seven years as prophet, describing him as a “servant-leader who devoted every breath to following Jesus Christ and strengthening His people.”
Transformative Presidency
Sustained as Church President on January 14, 2018, President Nelson led one of the most dynamic eras in modern Church history. His tenure saw historic, Christ-centered changes, replacing home and visiting teaching with ministering, emphasizing home-centered gospel learning, and expanding opportunities for temple participation.
Under his leadership, 200 new temples were announced worldwide, including many in previously unreached areas, fulfilling his vision of making temple worship accessible to Latter-day Saints across the globe.
A Renowned Heart Surgeon
Before dedicating himself full-time to Church service, President Nelson was a groundbreaking heart surgeon. He helped develop the first heart-lung machine used in successful open-heart surgery and performed Utah’s first open-heart procedure in 1955. Over the course of his career, he completed more than 7,000 surgeries and served as president of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the Utah State Medical Association.
Fluent in 11 languages, he combined scientific brilliance with deep spirituality, often speaking about life as a divine gift and the sacred duty to preserve it.
Global and Interfaith Impact
President Nelson was known as a bridge-builder, meeting with global faith and civic leaders. In 2019, he became the first Latter-day Saint president to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican, emphasizing shared values of faith, family, and peace. He also developed partnerships with the NAACP, advocating for education, civility, and humanitarian collaboration.
Leading Through His Final Days
In his later years, President Nelson faced declining health, including loss of eyesight, yet continued to guide the Church with a steady hand. “I just can’t see anymore,” he reportedly said in recent weeks, but he remained focused on the Savior and the ongoing work of gathering Israel.
Words from Church Leaders
President Dallin H. Oaks, who served as President Nelson’s First Counselor, called him a leader of “extraordinary humility and quiet strength.” Tributes from across the globe have highlighted not just his reforms, but the warmth and personal attention he gave to members everywhere whether in global ministry tours or through digital devotionals.
Key Milestones in His Life
- Apostle: Called on April 7, 1984
- President of the Church: January 14, 2018
- Global Ministry: Visited 32 countries and U.S. territories as Church President
- Temples: Announced 200 new temples worldwide
- Medical Legacy: Performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery (1955) and developed heart-lung machine technology
- Interfaith Leadership: Met Pope Francis (2019) and expanded collaboration with NAACP
What Happens Next
Per established procedure, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will prayerfully select and ordain the next President of the Church after President Nelson’s funeral services. Details on the viewing, funeral, and worldwide broadcast will be released in the coming days.
Remembering President Nelson
President Russell M. Nelson’s life was a rare blend of medical innovation and spiritual devotion, a man who healed hearts both literally and spiritually. His legacy is defined by faith, courage, and a relentless drive to move the Church forward.
As members around the world mourn his passing, they also celebrate a prophet who led them closer to Jesus Christ and invited them to “let God prevail” in their lives.
