SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson , the pioneering heart surgeon whose second act as an apostle culminated in his 90s with leadership so vigorous and sweeping that his presidency forever transformed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has died. He was 101.

“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,” a church news release stated .

President Nelson’s more than seven years as the church’s 17th prophet-president were marked by the bridges he built, including a watershed collaboration with the NAACP , during a divisive era when othe

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