LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson Dies Age 101

Russell M. Nelson, the president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), passed away peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City at the age of 101. He led the 17 million-member global church since 2018 and was its oldest-ever president, known for emphasizing the use of the church's full name and initiating the construction of 200 new temples worldwide to nearly double the number of existing temples. Before his religious leadership, Nelson was a pioneering heart surgeon who performed Utah's first open-heart surgery and contributed to the development of artificial heart and lung machines. During his tenure, Nelson made significant policy changes, including loosening restrictions on children of homosexual members and adjusting the church's stance on gay marriage while maintaining traditional views on marriage. He is survived by his wife Wendy and a large family including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nelson's legacy blends his medical achievements with his spiritual leadership and expansive vision for the church's future growth.