US President Donald Trump paid tribute to Russell M Nelson, president and prophet of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, following his death at the age of 101, just days after his birthday.Trump said Nelson remained active in service until the end and extended condolences to his wife, Wendy, their 10 children, 57 grandchildren, more than 167 great-grandchildren, and members of the Church nationwide. “Our hearts and prayers are with his incredible wife, Wendy, his 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and more than 167 great-grandchildren, as well as Members of the Church all over our Country. Russell had a remarkable life, pioneering life-saving heart surgery techniques and, of course, his ministry of many decades. He was a physician, literally and spiritually, and will be greatly missed!” Trump said through a post on Truth Social. Russell M Nelson, the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the oldest leader in the Church’s history, died at his home in Salt Lake City on Saturday at the age of 101, church officials announced. Nelson, a heart surgeon, was appointed to the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984 and became president in January 2018 following the death of Thomas S Monson. In 2024, he became the first president of the Church to reach 100 years of age.During his tenure, Nelson implemented several changes in the Church. In 2018, he directed members to discontinue the use of the shorthand terms “Mormon” and “LDS.” He lifted restrictions on baptisms for children of same-sex couples while maintaining prohibitions on same-sex marriage and limiting participation for members undergoing gender-affirming procedures.Nelson led the Church through the COVID-19 pandemic, ended its affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America, and oversaw an increase in temple construction worldwide. He also promoted leadership diversity and published regional hymnbooks to reflect local cultures.
