Introduction
President Russell M. Nelson, who served as the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at age 101 on September 28, 2025. Nelson โ a former heart surgeon who led the church since 2018 โ became known for both doctrinal firmness and administrative modernization during his presidency. AP News+1
Early life and medical career
Born in 1924, Nelson trained and practiced as a heart surgeon before devoting himself full-time to church leadership. His early career in medicine shaped his public image as disciplined, exacting, and service-oriented โ traits that later influenced his approach as a church leader. AP News
Rise in church leadership
Nelson joined the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984 and became church president in January 2018. Over four decades in leadership, he emphasized global growth and local adaptation for a religious movement increasingly outside the United States. AP News+1
Major initiatives and reforms
During his presidency Nelson promoted a number of signature changes:
- Name emphasis: Encouraged members and media to use the churchโs full name rather than โMormonโ or โLDS,โ a branding and identity shift implemented widely under his leadership. AP News
- Temple expansion: Continued an aggressive temple-building program; numerous new temples were announced during his leadership, including a 2025 announcement of 15 new temples. Axios
- Worship and structure: Implemented shorter, more unified Sunday meeting schedules and emphasized local leadership and cultural adaptation. Church News
These moves were aimed at both deepening member engagement and modernizing the churchโs global operations. The Church of Jesus Christ
Controversies and challenges
Nelsonโs presidency also faced scrutiny. Critics and some members pressed for clearer, firmer reforms around the churchโs handling of abuse reports and policies affecting LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse members. Church leaders under Nelson initiated dialogues and some policy changes but tensions and debates remained part of his tenure. AP News+1
Final teachings and public voice
In his most recent general conference addresses, Nelson focused on faith, preparing for Christโs return, and spiritual confidence. His April 2025 talk, โConfidence in the Presence of God,โ underscored personal devotion and charity as foundations for spiritual confidence. These final talks are part of his spiritual legacy. The Church of Jesus Christ+1
Passing and succession
The church announced President Nelson passed away peacefully at his Salt Lake City home on September 28, 2025. Church leaders and family released tributes; Dallin H. Oaks (first counselor) is widely expected to assume senior leadership roles and โ per church procedure โ be considered in the line of succession for the presidency. The Church newsroom and major outlets published memorials and biographical retrospectives. newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org+1
Legacy โ how historians and members may remember him
Nelsonโs legacy will likely be framed by a blend of:
- Institutional modernization and internationalization
- A strong emphasis on temple worship and local cultural adaptation
- Continued doctrinal clarity on sensitive social issues, which pleased many members while prompting debate among others
His unique background as a medical professional and later-life surge into global religious leadership set him apart as a 20thโ21st century religious figure. The Salt Lake Tribune+1
