Church Leader Russell M. Nelson Passes Away at 101

Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died on Saturday evening at home in Salt Lake City at the age of 101, as per a church announcement.

His followers, numbering around 17 million worldwide, viewed Nelson as a living prophet and will recall his years of devoted service and the significant changes he instigated. For those outside the faith, he was also recognized as a distinguished cardiac surgeon.

Beginning his ministry in 1984, Nelson became the church president in 2018. He emphasized growth and made notable contributions, such as urging the use of the church’s full name and promoting temple construction, which was a departure from his predecessors.

Often referred to as Mormons, members of the church historically derived their nickname from the Book of Mormon, another text of scripture unique to their beliefs. Nelson actively encouraged members to use the full church name, a move he argued brought focus back to Jesus Christ, whom they see as the head of the church.

Nelson was also well-remembered for announcing plans to build 200 temples worldwide. For Latter-day Saints, temples are seen as sacred spaces where essential covenants with God can be established.

Before dedicating himself to full-time ministry, Nelson was notably a cardiac surgeon. His career in medicine took off when he performed his first open-heart surgery in Utah in 1955. He was instrumental in creating a prosthetic heart-lung machine designed for use in operating rooms and led many medical organizations and boards during his medical career.

President Donald Trump met with Nelson during his presidency and expressed admiration for the church’s charitable efforts, stating, “This is extremely exciting for me. The work you did is beyond what you can think of. Cherish the way you take care of people and the respect you have around the world.”

Over the course of his ministry, Nelson authored numerous chapters in medical textbooks and various works on religious topics. He is said to have traveled to 32 different countries and was conversant in 11 languages.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy, eight of their ten children, 57 grandchildren, and over 167 great-grandchildren.

Those who had the privilege of working alongside Nelson often spoke of his remarkable humility despite his extensive achievements. Many noted his kind nature, describing him as the calmest and sweetest person they had ever known.

A new president for the Latter-day Saints Church is expected to be elected this week. Traditionally, leadership transitions to one of the twelve quorum presidents, a process conducted during the general meeting of the church occurring this weekend.