Many leaders and organizations around the world in the spheres of religion, government and education have extended prayers and condolences in the wake of President Russell M. Nelson’s death. Some are shown below.
Fiji: Parliament Member Alitia Bainivalu
“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 on Saturday, September 27, 2025.”
India: His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj
“On behalf of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and our worldwide fellowship, we offer our deepest condolences on the passing of President Russell M. Nelson at the age of 101. His departure is a profound loss to your faith, community and to all who were touched by his remarkable life of service. I offer prayers of peace and comfort to his beloved family and to the global membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“President Nelson will be remembered as a devoted spiritual leader, a compassionate healer, and a steadfast guide to millions. His lifelong commitment to faith, moral living, and service to humanity resonates deeply. His example as both a distinguished surgeon and a spiritual shepherd stands as a powerful testament to humility, wisdom, and dedication to God.”
Read the full statement here.
Israel: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“The State of Israel offers our deepest condolences to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the loss of President Russell M. Nelson. In this time of great division, President Nelson encouraged all believers to be peacemakers and showed this through his work with interfaith leaders throughout his 40-year ministry. We take pride in Jerusalem being President Nelson’s first stop during his global tour in 2018. A friend of Israel and people of faith everywhere, may his memory be a blessing to Latter-day Saints throughout the world.”
Kiribati: National Government
“From today our Kiribati flags are lowered to half mast to honour the loss of our Prophet Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The national memorial day is yet to be announced, but will be a public holiday just as it was for the memorial of Pope Francis earlier this year. Kiribati is a truly unique nation when it comes to peace, our sense of community and egalitarianism. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28”
South Africa: The Office of the Queen of Zulu Land
“We had the news of President Nelson. Our heartfelt condolences from the Zulu Kingdom. May his spirit sustain you as he rises in glory.”
United Kingdom: Scottish Parliament
“The Parliament notes with sadness the passing of President Russell M Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101; recognizes that, before entering full-time church service, President Nelson was a pioneering heart surgeon of global renown, credited with performing thousands of life-saving operations and advancing the development of open-heart surgery; acknowledges his subsequent lifetime of religious service, having been called as an Apostle in 1984 and later becoming president of the Church in January 2018; notes his emphasis on compassion, personal faith and bridge-building across communities and nations; further notes 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, to be built in Edinburgh, which, it believes, has been widely welcomed by members of the church in Scotland and will stand as a lasting legacy of his leadership; expresses sympathy to his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, to his family, and to the worldwide membership of the Church, and recognizes what it sees as the profound impact that his life of service has had on people of faith in Scotland and around the world.”
UNITED STATES
The Honorable Donald J. Trump (President)
“Russell M. Nelson, the President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away last night at the age of 101 — He just had his birthday earlier this week! Russell was sharp and engaged in service up until the end. 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!”
The Honorable Mike Crapo (U.S. Senator - Idaho)
“He was an exceptionally kind leader whose lifetime focus centered on embodying the love of Jesus Christ. His was a life well lived, and I join other members of the Church in mourning his passing. My prayers are with President Nelson’s wife, children and many grandchildren as they grieve his loss here on earth but celebrate in the hope of one day rejoining him in perfect peace in heaven.”
The Honorable John Curtis (U.S. Senator - Utah)
“Few lives have been lived as fully and faithfully as that of President Russell M. Nelson. His remarkable 101 years were a testament to service, faith, and vision. I am grateful for the insight, inspiration, and teachings he shared so generously.”
The Honorable Mark Kelly (U.S. Senator - Arizona)
“My condolences to the LDS community on the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. His deep faith and compassionate service leave a legacy that will continue to inspire many.”
The Honorable Mike Lee (U.S. Senator - Utah)
“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.”
The Honorable Jim Risch (U.S. Senator - Idaho)
“Vicki and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Russell M. Nelson. His teaching, wisdom, and kindness were an inspiration to so many Idahoans and he will be missed.”
The Honorable Mitt Romney (Former U.S. Senator - Utah)
“President Russell M. Nelson will be known for the 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, one thing touched us most personally and profoundly: his kindness.”
Other tributes from leaders in Utah include Congressional representatives Mike Kennedy, Celeste Maloy, Blake Moore and Burgess Owens.
American Jewish Committee
“AJC mourns the death of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest serving president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died on Saturday at age 101. A renowned heart surgeon, he left the profession to serve the Church full-time when he was called at age 59 to lead at its highest levels.
“AJC and the Church have enjoyed a decades-long relationship in support of LDS-Jewish relations, including an AJC National Mission to Salt Lake City last month. We look forward to continuing to foster friendship between our communities in the spirit of the late President Nelson.
“May his memory be for a blessing.”
AJC mourns the death of Russell M. Nelson, the oldest serving president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died on Saturday at age 101. A renowned heart surgeon, he left the profession to serve the Church full-time when he was called at age 59 to lead at its… pic.twitter.com/Dg1Xv7tfWj
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) September 29, 2025
Archdiocese of Las Vegas
“Archbishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., Bishop Gregory W. Gordon, and the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, extend their heartfelt condolences to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to the family and friends of President Russell M. Nelson upon his passing. 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.”
Read the full statement here.
NAACP
“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.
“President Nelson’s life of service and leadership inspired many beyond ecclesiastical boundaries. In 2018, President Nelson and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued a joint call for racial harmony and the abandonment of prejudice. He continued to strengthen this partnership, working with Rev. Theresa Dear and Dr. Amos Brown, alongside other leaders, to expand opportunities, dialogue, and understanding. President Nelson's presence at the NAACP National Convention in 2019 underscored a shared commitment to dismantling racism and promoting equality.”
Read the full statement from the NAACP.
nelson-naacp
President Russell M. Nelson shakes hands with Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, in the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City, May 17, 2018. The Rev. Amos C. Brown, NAACP board member, far left, and NAACP chairman Leon W. Russell, far right, looks on.2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Princeton Professor Robert P. George (New Jersey)
“I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Wendy Nelson and the entire membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the death of her husband and their President Dr. Russell Nelson. … All who knew him were struck by his kindness and compassion.”
I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Wendy Nelson and the entire membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the death of her husband and their President Dr. Russell Nelson. He was 101 years of age. I had the privilege of knowing President Nelson…
— Robert P. George (@McCormickProf) September 28, 2025
UTAH
The Honorable Spencer Cox (Governor - Utah)
“Today we mourn the passing of President Russell M. Nelson — a prophet of God, a gentle leader, and a voice for peacemaking. He built bridges across faith traditions and cultures, serving God’s children throughout the world. Abby and I will forever treasure our moments with him. ‘Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!’”
The Honorable Deidre Henderson (Lieutenant Governor - Utah)
“The teachings and example of President Russell M. Nelson have had a profound impact on my life. 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
“President Nelson, a respected leader and peacemaker, guided the church through times of change and uncertainty with compassion and conviction. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and the millions of Latter-day Saints mourning his loss around the world.”
The Honorable Erin Mendenhall (Mayor - Salt Lake City)
“As a pioneering heart surgeon and later as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson devoted his life to healing — people and communities alike. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Wendy, and his family as we honor his extraordinary life.”
Cathedral of the Madeleine (Salt Lake City)
“As the mother church for Catholics in Utah, the Cathedral of the Madeleine joins the world in mourning the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. We offer our condolences to our brothers and sisters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Earlier this year, President Nelson gave us words of comfort at the passing of Pope Francis. 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. We are grateful to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation and the LDS community who have supported the Cathedral of the Madeleine in recent years.”
Rabbi Avremi Zippel (Salt Lake City)
“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. Keeping his beautiful family in my prayers.”
Looking Back at President Nelson's 100th Birthday Celebration
During President Nelson’s 100th birthday celebration in 2024, many of his friends worldwide shared tributes via video.
The Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, Emeritus Pastor of Third Baptist Church of San Francisco and NAACP Board Member
“I am inexpressibly happy to bring greetings to President Nelson on occasion of celebration of his 100th birthday. [At the NAACP National Convention in 2019], I introduced him as my brother of another mother. And I meant that because I felt that kindred spirit immediately when I met him. He came with a track record of leading The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to higher pursuits of racial reckoning, understanding and working to provide a better day for all of God’s children — particularly those who lived in urban communities around this nation. Mr. President, I wish more years upon you and your dear wife, Mrs. Nelson, and that you will go on from strength to strength, keeping the beloved community intact.”
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal, Anglican Priest and Oxford University Theologian
“President Nelson, from the University of Oxford and as a member of the Church of England, I salute you and give you our hearty congratulations and prayers on your centenary. Thank you for being such an approachable world faith leader. Thank you for leading your people as a true pioneer leader, leaving no one behind. And thank you, also, for touching the hearts of people.”
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis
“President Nelson, recently I spoke with Sister Jean Schmidt, 103 years old, who wrote a book entitled ‘What I Learned the First Hundred Years of My Life.’ She says that she attributes her longevity to living life with purpose. You certainly have lived a life of purpose, giving that message of God through your works of goodness throughout the world. Every birthday we often blow out the candles. I suggest [you] keep them burning so we can continue to be the beneficiaries of your light, your love and your loyalty. As we say in New York, mazel tov.”
The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., Dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College
“On the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s ascension, he said, ‘Like anyone, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place.’ I have had the privilege of visiting Salt Lake City and Temple Square four times and observed that the Tabernacle Choir family live a long time. I am convinced that the statement of Dr. King is right — that longevity has its place, and its place is Temple Square. On behalf of the Morehouse College family, our 17,000 living members of the alumni, trustees, administration, faculty, staff and students, we salute you, President Russell M. Nelson Sr., for having reached the centennial, your 100th birthday today.”