The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Russell M. Nelson, 101, Passes On.

NAIROBI KENYA 

Salt Lake City, September 27, 2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is mourning the loss of its global leader, President Russell M. Nelson, who passed away peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City shortly after 10 p.m. MDT at the age of 101. President Nelson was the oldest prophet in the history of the Church and will be remembered as both a pioneering heart surgeon and a prophet who reshaped the Church’s direction in profound ways.

President Nelson was called as an Apostle in 1984 and became the 17th President of the Church in January 2018. During his nearly eight years at the helm, he oversaw one of the most dynamic periods in Latter-day Saint history. He traveled to 32 countries and U.S. territories, met global religious and political leaders—including Pope Francis—and announced the construction of more than 200 temples worldwide. His ministry was marked by sweeping changes aimed at placing Christ more clearly at the center of the faith’s doctrine and practice.

Russell M. Nelson with Pope Francis

Beyond spiritual leadership, President Nelson was internationally acclaimed for his medical achievements. In 1955, he performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery, later contributing to the development of the heart-lung machine that transformed modern surgery. Over a career spanning decades, he conducted more than 7,000 operations and earned respect as a gifted surgeon and teacher. His dual legacy of healing—physical and spiritual—earned him the enduring description of a “beloved physician.”

President Dallin H. Oaks, his longtime colleague and First Counselor, described him as “the gentlest and sweetest person you could ever hope to associate with,” noting his humility despite extraordinary accomplishments.

President Nelson’s life reflected a blend of devotion to faith and family. With his first wife, Dantzel, he raised 10 children, and after her passing, he married Wendy Watson, who stood by his side during his global ministry. Today, he is survived by his wife, eight of his children, 57 grandchildren, and more than 167 great-grandchildren.

His leadership brought significant changes to Church practice, including adjustments in ministering, youth programs, missionary service, and temple worship. These shifts, often introduced through what members called “the rush of revelation,” were intended to strengthen personal faith and emphasize Jesus Christ as the foundation of the Church.

In Kenya, Latter-day Saints are reflecting on President Nelson’s passing with both grief and gratitude. Earlier this year, the Nairobi Kenya Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially dedicated—a momentous event for members across East Africa. The temple, the first in Kenya, symbolizes a spiritual home where members believe they can make sacred covenants, strengthen families, and draw closer to God. For Latter-day Saints in Kenya, the temple’s launch fulfilled long-awaited prayers and signaled the growth of the faith in the region. Globally, the dedication of new temples, such as Nairobi’s, embodies President Nelson’s vision of bringing worship opportunities closer to members worldwide.

As tributes pour in, many remember President Nelson not only for his extraordinary service as a prophet and surgeon but also for his message of peace, unity, and faith. His call for Latter-day Saints to be “peacemakers” and to live with love beyond differences resonates far beyond the Church.

A successor will be chosen by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles following President Nelson’s funeral, details of which will be announced in the coming days.