The oldest serving president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson, died on Saturday night in his Salt Lake City home at age 101, church officials announced.
In a statement announcing his death, the church said Nelson is survived by his wife, Wendy, eight of his 10 children, 57 grandchildren and more than 167 great-grandchildren.
Nelson was first called as an Apostle on April 7, 1984. Over three decades later, he became the president of the church on Jan. 14, 2018.
Since becoming leader at age 93, officials say that Nelson — who previously worked as a heart surgeon — was “a man who changed the church” through significant policy changes.
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President Russell M. Nelson, center, waves as his counselors Dallin H. Oaks, left, and Henry B. Eyring, right, look on during The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conference, Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) -
FILE – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson speaks during a news conference at the Temple Square South Visitors Center in Salt Lake City, on April 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) -
In this Oct. 5, 2019 file photo, President Russell M. Nelson speaks during The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ twice-annual church conference in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) -
Russell M. Nelson, center, Dallin H. Oaks, left, and Henry B. Eyring, right, answer question from the press after Nelson was announced as the 17th president of the Mormon Church on Jan.16, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Credit: George Frey/Getty Images)
“His time as prophet will forever be remembered as one of global ministry (he visited 32 countries and U.S. territories), increased temple construction (he announced 200 new temples) and profound change,” the church stated.
Under his leadership, the church says, Nelson “adjusted the way Saints around the world minister to each other.” The president was revered for his emphasis on addressing the church by its full name, stressing the importance of including Jesus Christ’s name in all mentions. “It is his church,” Nelson said.
Nelson also modified a policy allowing children of LGBTQ+ individuals to be baptized.
Officials said that a successor is not expected to be formally chosen until after Nelson’s funeral.
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