The news of President Russell M. Nelson’s death on Sept. 27 has continued prompting reactions from leaders and organizations in government, religion and academia, both nationally and internationally.
Their reactions have paid tribute to the late president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ life and contributions, and expressed condolences to his family and the church members he faithfully served until he died at age 101.
Reactions from world leaders
“I extend my deepest condolences to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fiji and around the world on the passing of President Russell M. Nelson at the age of 101,” wrote Fiji Parliament member Alitia Bainivalu on Facebook.
“President Nelson’s leadership, faith and devotion,” she continued, “have inspired millions across the globe.”
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj — current president of Hindu faith organization Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha — sent the church a letter of condolences, which stated:
“On behalf of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and our worldwide fellowship, we offer our deepest condolences on the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. … His departure is a profound loss to your faith, community and to all who were touched by his remarkable life of service.
“(He) will be remembered as a devoted spiritual leader, a compassionate healer and a steadfast guide to millions.”
Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ had recently celebrated with local leaders of the Hindu faith organization the opening of a new temple for their faith in Utah. The temple’s building had originally served as a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered their condolences, reflecting on President Nelson’s ministry and teachings in a post made on the social media page for Israel in Los Angeles.
“In this time of great division,” the post reads, “President Nelson encouraged all believers to be peacemakers and showed this through his work with interfaith leaders throughout his 40-year ministry.”
The Office of the Queen of Zulu Land in South Africa issued the following text, per a report on ChurchofJesusChrist.org:
“We had the news of President Nelson,” the text reads. “Our heartfelt condolences from the Zulu Kingdom. May his spirit sustain you as he rises in glory.”
In Kiribati, the national government ordered the public to lower its flags to half-mast in honor of President Nelson.
Per the church’s report, Kiribati’s government is also planning to announce a public holiday in honor of President Nelson, just as it did “for the memorial of Pope Francis earlier this year.”
In the United Kingdom, the Scottish Parliament noted “with sadness” the death of President Nelson in a statement published on its page. The statement recognized President Nelson’s work as a “pioneering heart surgeon of global renown, credited with performing thousands of life-saving operations and advancing the development of open-heart surgery.”
It also noted his ministry’s “emphasis on compassion, personal faith and bridge-building across communities and nations,” and further noted the “global reach of his ministry, including his decision in April 2024 to announce the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scotland.”
In the United States
President Donald Trump paid tribute to the late president of the Church of Jesus Christ, saying:
“Russell was sharp and engaged in service up until the end. … (He) 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!”
Sen. Mark Kelly, R-Arizona, expressed his condolences to church members worldwide and reflected on President Nelson’s legacy of “deep faith and compassionate service.”
Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, reflected on President Nelson’s leadership.
“He was an exceptionally kind leader whose lifetime focus centered on embodying the love of Jesus Christ,” wrote Crapo in a Facebook post.
“His teaching, wisdom, and kindness were an inspiration to so many Idahoans and he will be missed,” wrote Risch on X.com.
Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee, R-Utah, paid tribute to President Nelson’s life and character.
“Few lives have been lived as fully and faithfully as that of President Russell M. Nelson,” wrote Curtis on X. “His remarkable 101 years were a testament to service, faith, and vision.”
As for Lee, he wrote on X, saying: “President Russell M. Nelson was a bold, visionary leader prepared by God to testify of Jesus Christ in the very times in which we now live. … Sharon and I extend our gratitude and heartfelt condolences to President Nelson’s family, and to the millions of Latter-day Saints throughout the world who mourn his passing.”
Former Sen. Mitt Romney listed on X what President Nelson will be known for: “scores of new temples, accelerating the growth of the Church, centering the gospel in the home, his prophetic words and his love for Jesus Christ.
“But for Ann and me,” he added, “one thing touched us most personally and profoundly: his kindness.”
Reps. Mike Kennedy, Celeste Maloy, Blake Moore and Burgess Owens, R-Utah, also shared tributes to President Nelson, mourning his death and reflecting on his life and teachings.
“The NAACP extends its deepest condolences to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to the family of President Russell M. Nelson on his passing,” wrote the NAACP in a statement published on its page.
“President Nelson’s life of service and leadership,” the NAACP’s statement continued, “inspired many beyond ecclesiastical boundaries.”
During his ministry, President Nelson linked arms with the NAACP’s leadership, including NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. Together, they issued calls for “racial harmony and the abandonment of prejudice,” as well as worked to expand opportunities for dialogue and understanding.
The American Jewish Committee joined others in mourning the death of President Nelson and expressed hope that its relationship with the church would continue.
“We look forward to continuing to foster friendship between our communities in the spirit of the late President Nelson.”
Archbishop George Leo Thomas, Bishop Gregory W. Gordon, and the “Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas” extended their “heartfelt condolences” to the Church of Jesus Christ and to the family and friends of President Nelson, saying:
“President Nelson will be remembered as a man of deep faith and conviction, whose leadership inspired people across the globe. His vision of service, compassion, and human dignity touched countless lives, and his tireless dedication to the well-being of others stands as a lasting legacy.”
In Las Vegas, one Latter-day Saint temple stands in operation, and a second — the Lone Mountain Nevada Temple — began construction just two days before President Nelson’s death.
Princeton Professor Robert P. George also expressed his condolences, highlighting his relationship with and admiration of President Nelson.
“I had the privilege of knowing President Nelson and working with him in interfaith efforts in defense of marriage and the family,” George wrote on X.
“All who knew him were struck by his kindness and compassion. … He was a highly respected heart surgeon. The LDS Church was blessed to have him as a leader, teacher, and role model.”
In Utah
Gov. Spencer Cox and his wife, first lady Abby Cox, mourned President Nelson’s death, highlighting his ability to connect with others and his “legacy of peacemaking.”
“(President Nelson) built bridges across faith traditions and cultures, serving God’s children throughout the world,” Cox wrote on X. “Abby and I will forever treasure our moments with him.”
Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson shared the “profound impact” President Nelson’s teachings and example have had on her.
“I am deeply grateful for the goodness, love, and inspiration that has poured from this Prophet of God to bless my life and millions of others. He will be greatly missed.”
Utah House Democrats released a statement, remarking how President Nelson, “a respected leader and peacemaker, guided the church through times of change and uncertainty with compassion and conviction.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall affirmed that as a “pioneering heart surgeon” and later as a president of the Church of Jesus Christ, President Nelson “devoted his life to healing.”
Salt Lake City’s Cathedral of the Madeleine, the “mother church for Catholics in Utah,” joined the world in mourning President Nelson’s death, expressing gratitude for his lifetime of service, as well as the Latter-day Saint community’s support.
“Earlier this year, President Nelson gave us words of comfort at the passing of Pope Francis,” the cathedral’s Facebook post read. “Today, with a heavy heart, I express my gratitude for his lifetime of dedication, faith, and service, and I thank our LDS neighbors for generously sharing his teaching with us.”
Salt Lake City Rabbi Avremi Zippel said he was “saddened to hear of the passing of President Nelson. A good and kind soul, who believed that a life committed to Divine principles was a life worth living across all faiths.”
Multiple university presidents, including University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese and Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez, reflected on President Nelson’s life, influence and teachings.
“President Nelson’s remarkable journey, from U alum to pioneering heart surgeon to global faith leader, reflects a life of innovation, compassion, and devotion,” wrote Randall, current president of the university where President Nelson earned his undergraduate degree.
“His influence and discipleship are woven into the history of our university, the lives of many of our students, and people across the globe.”
The Deseret News published a short video, “A Man of Heart,” with clips of President Nelson ministering around the world and audio of him speaking as a new apostle and as the church’s prophet.
The Church News published an article with links to podcast episodes that “captured his life, example, service, leadership and teachings; his family members’ witnesses of his prophetic calling; and most of all, his testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ.”
