Current Age and Biographical Overview
President Russell M Nelson was born on September 9, 1924, making him 100 years old as of the latest public records. He is the oldest president in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was formally sustained as the 17th president of the Church on January 14, 2018. His full name is Russell Marion Nelson, and he was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before his church calling, he was a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and a professor of surgery at the University of Utah.
As of the most recent public data, President Nelson holds the record for the oldest leader in the church's modern era. His age has drawn widespread attention because he leads an organization with millions of members worldwide while maintaining a rigorous global travel schedule. He is also the oldest person ever to serve in this specific leadership position within the faith. His longevity and continued active role are frequently cited in media coverage of senior religious leaders.
Early Life, Education, and Medical Career
Russell M Nelson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and later obtained his medical degree from the same institution. He completed his surgical training at the University of Minnesota and became a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon. He pioneered open-heart surgery techniques and performed hundreds of complex operations, establishing himself as one of the leading heart surgeons of his generation. His medical work included research on heart valves and the development of new surgical procedures.
Before his church presidency, Nelson served in the Sunday School presidency and later as a stake president and regional representative. He was called as an apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on July 26, 1984. His medical background and analytical approach to leadership have been widely noted in profiles of his career. He is also known for his fluency in multiple languages, which has supported his global ministry. More details on his early career are available through the official church history resources ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Leadership Tenure and Global Influence
President Russell M Nelson has led the church through a period of significant global expansion, including the dedication of new temples on multiple continents. Under his presidency, the church has announced plans for hundreds of new temples worldwide, reflecting its growing international membership. He has emphasized themes of faith, family, and personal revelation in his public addresses. His age and sustained energy have become a point of interest in discussions about leadership at advanced stages of life.
The church's financial reporting and organizational structure operate under a lay clergy model, with no paid professional clergy at the local level. While the church does not publicly disclose detailed financial statements in the same way as a publicly traded company, its for-profit entities and investment activities are overseen by a dedicated finance and administration committee. Information about the church's broader operations and media properties can be found on the official ChurchofJesusChrist.org and Forbes coverage of large nonprofit and religious organizations.