Church President Russell M. Nelson turns 101
Sep 9, 2025, 11:24 AM | Updated: 1:50 pm
President Russell M. Nelson. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has turned 101.
Brothers and sisters, I feel truly humbled to be celebrating my 101st birthday with my children so close—whether in person or forever in my heart.
Even though those pictured are all adults with children, grandchildren, and even a great grandchild of their own, I still feel the… pic.twitter.com/XEBicpwiN4
— Russell M. Nelson (@NelsonRussellM) September 9, 2025
His post on X goes on to remind his followers of the messages in some of his past talks.
We will find joy in life as we ‘think celestial’ and follow the covenant path that begins with baptism and leads us to The House of The Lord. God speaks to us when we make the effort to ‘hear Him.’ The world needs peacemakers, so please be kind.
Shortly after being called as President of the Church, President Nelson spoke to the youth of the Church.
“Would you like to be a big part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on Earth today?” he asked. “Would you like to help gather Israel during these precious latter days?”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke about seeking comfort through daily scripture study.
“Our father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear his son.”
In the October 2023 General Conference, President Nelson gave one of his most memorable talks, asking people to ‘think celestial’.
“When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial,” he said. “When tested by temptation, think celestial. When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial.”
Most recently, in the April General Conference this year, he advised, “Charity and virtue open the way to having confidence before God. Brothers and sisters, we can do this. Our confidence can truly wax strong in the presence of God right now.”
Before being called as President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for nearly 34 years. He spent his career as a heart surgeon and helped pioneer open-heart surgery. He has led the Church as the faith’s Prophet since January 2018.
Related: President Nelson shares advice in Time magazine op-ed ahead of 101st birthday
