Diocese of Salt Lake City statement on the death of President Russell M. Nelson

Friday, Oct. 03, 2025
Diocese of Salt Lake City statement on the death of President Russell M. Nelson
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On Sept. 28, Father John Evans, vicar general of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, released the following statement on the death of Russell M. Nelson, 17th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who died Sept. 27 at the age of 101.
On behalf of Bishop Oscar A. Solis, the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, and Catholics throughout the State of Utah, we offer our heartfelt condolences to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and especially to the family and friends of President Russell M. Nelson on his passing. As a man of faith in God and conviction to his calling from God he is beloved by people the world over.
There are many accolades attributed to President Nelson’s leadership, but one in particular that stands out is his friendship and care for those who are suffering and in need. The Catholic Church in Utah and, through his leadership, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have long worked together to care for the poor and vulnerable here in Utah and beyond. President Nelson has been an inspiration for many and a steady leader to truly minister for the good and to see the dignity in others. As a cardiac surgeon he cared for people’s hearts; as the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he cared for people’s dignity and for their souls.
Please join us in praying for his eternal happiness and peace in God.
Services for LDS President Russell M. Nelson 
On Sept. 27, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following information about the death of Russell M. Nelson, their 17th president.
“With sorrow we announce that Russell M. Nelson, beloved President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully shortly after 10 p.m. MDT today at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 101 – the oldest president in the history of the Church.
“President Nelson was called as an Apostle on April 7, 1984. He became the leader of the Church on January 14, 2018. His time as prophet will forever be remembered as one of global ministry (he visited 32 countries and U.S. territories), increased temple construction (he announced 200 new temples) and profound change. Beginning in the April 2018 general conference in which he was sustained as the senior Apostle, President Nelson began introducing frequent adjustments designed to help the Saints minister more like Jesus Christ and better emphasize the centrality of the Savior of the world in all the Church does. Later sections of this obituary (found at https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-russell-m-nelson-memorial) provide a detailed accounting of his travels as president and the many changes he implemented.”
On Sept. 29, the LDS Church released the following information about the public services for President Russell M. Nelson: 
· Wednesday, Oct. 1: “A Tribute to Russell M. Nelson” broadcast: This event is closed to the public, but available via broadcast. Several Church leaders and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square will honor the life of President Russell M. Nelson. Available live at 10 a.m. MDT and on demand at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, YouTube, BYUtv and KSL.
· Monday, Oct. 6: Public Viewing: visitors of all ages are invited to a public viewing on Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
· Tuesday, Oct. 7: Public Funeral Services. The funeral will be held in the Conference Center on Temple Square at noon. The funeral will be open to the public, ages 8 and older. Seating in the Conference Center (which seats 21,000 people) will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. Services will be broadcast globally on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, YouTube, BYUtv and KSL beginning at noon. 
A private burial service will take place following the funeral. 
For more information, visit the LDS Church’s newsroom page, https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/

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