Russell M. Nelson, the globally respected leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Saturday at the age of 101 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Nelson served as the 17-million-member church’s president since 2018, guiding transformative changes in policy, expansion efforts, and global outreach during his seven-year tenure at the helm, as The Daily Caller reports.

His ministry began in 1984 after a celebrated medical career, and he became the 17th president of the nearly 200-year-old church in January 2018 following the death of his predecessor, Thomas S. Monson. Nelson’s leadership emphasized doctrinal clarity and modernized global operations for the church headquartered in Salt Lake City.

Medical Pioneer Turned Spiritual Leader

Before his full-time ministry, Nelson built a distinguished career in cardiac surgery. In 1955, he performed Utah's first successful open-heart surgery, a landmark achievement that launched decades of innovations in medicine. He also developed a portable machine that combined heart and lung functions, revolutionizing surgical care in operating rooms.

He was a prominent member of various medical councils and associations, authored textbook chapters, and contributed to major advancements in cardiovascular treatment. Nelson’s dual contributions to medicine and religion defined much of his public legacy.

Adding to his unique profile, the multilingual leader spoke 11 languages and visited 32 countries over the course of his ministry. His international outreach underscored the church’s increasing global unity and approachability under his leadership.

Defining a Presidency of Growth and Purpose

Nelson’s presidency focused heavily on emphasizing the full name of the church and moving away from the informal “Mormon” label. He believed that the proper name reflected the central role of Jesus Christ and anchored the church’s identity more firmly in its foundational beliefs.

This effort led to widespread rebranding across church publications, websites, and affiliated organizations. These changes were implemented globally and reflected his vision for doctrinal consistency and public perception rooted in faith.

Perhaps one of his most lasting institutional contributions came from his ambitious temple-building initiative. He oversaw announcements for the construction of 200 new temples—almost doubling the total number of temples existing before his time as president.

Global Recognition and Political Engagement

The humanitarian impact of the church under his guidance garnered acknowledgment beyond religious circles. In 2018, President Donald Trump met with Nelson and commended the church’s efforts in global charity work. “The job you’ve done is beyond anything you could think of,” Trump said, highlighting the church’s role in humanitarian service.

These meetings showcased the church’s increasing presence on global and national stages, reaffirming Nelson’s commitment to both spiritual leadership and practical service.

Nelson was also a prolific religious author, writing multiple books and delivering addresses that were widely shared across the church’s global network. His spiritual messages often blended experience from both his medical and ecclesiastical backgrounds.

Personal Legacy and Family Life Remembered

He is survived by his wife Wendy, eight of his ten children, 57 grandchildren, and over 167 great-grandchildren. His family life remained a personal anchor and was often mentioned in public addresses as a source of strength and guidance.

A widely circulated photo from April 6, 2019, shows Nelson addressing church members with his wife by his side during the church’s 189th Annual General Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. The moment reflected his style of adjacent spiritual and family leadership on full public display.

Dallin H. Oaks, who served as Nelson’s first counselor and currently leads the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, reflected on his friend and colleague’s legacy. “We have marveled at his extraordinary modesty for a man of his great accomplishments,” Oaks said. “He is just the gentlest and sweetest person you could ever hope to associate with.”

Next Steps for Church Leadership

Per long-standing tradition, a new president is expected to be selected this week through a process that involves the current president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. That leader will be formally sustained by the worldwide membership during the upcoming General Conference.

Oaks, now in line as Nelson’s likely successor, has worked closely with him throughout the past decade of church leadership. The upcoming session of the General Conference on Saturday and Sunday will serve as a platform for church members to collectively affirm new leadership and recall Nelson’s contributions.

During one of his most iconic addresses, Nelson declared his belief in Jesus Christ as the “Son of the living God” and called the church a divine institution “restored to bless God’s children.” That message served as a central theme throughout his decades-long ministry.