President Russell M. Nelson, 1924-2025: A Prophet of science and faith in his own words

Church News

Religion, Christianity, Religion & Spirituality, News

4.9 • 782 Ratings

🗓️ 28 September 2025

⏱️ 63 minutes

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Summary

President Russell M. Nelson, Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Sept. 27, at the age of 101.

As the world mourns this loss, the Church News podcast dedicates this special memorial episode to his leadership, teachings, revelations and kindness. This podcast features just a small sample of his words from general conference talks, devotionals and more.

President Nelson will be forever known as a man of science and faith. During his tenure as President of the Church, he reinforced the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; implemented a home-centered, Church-supported curriculum with the introduction of the “Come, Follow Me” study program just in time to guide the Church through the COVID-19 pandemic; announced the building and renovation of scores of temples around the world; encouraged peacemaking; and continually invited individuals to reinforce their own faith in Jesus Christ, the Restoration of the gospel and commitment to the covenant path.

We commemorate the lasting legacy of this prophet, seer and revelator, with Sarah Jane Weaver, Deseret News editor and Church News executive editor, as guest host for this special episode.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Transcript

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0:00.0	It is with heavy hearts that we celebrate the life and ministry of President Russell
0:12.4	M. Nelson, the 17th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
0:18.3	The oldest apostle in this dispensation, President Nelson was born September 9th,
0:23.4	1924, to Marian C. and Edna Anderson Nelson. He and his first wife, Sister Danzel White Nelson,
0:31.0	are the parents of nine daughters and one son. After her death in February of 2005, he married Wendy Watson Nelson in April of 2006.
0:42.0	President Nelson was an internationally renowned surgeon and medical researcher before his call to full-time church service.
0:49.1	He led the church through a pandemic, traveled to nations across the globe,
0:53.6	announced more than half of the
0:55.1	church's temples, and issued hundreds of invitations, promising the church's global membership
1:00.2	that they can find great joy in living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1:05.4	We begin this special memorial podcast with recent words from President Nelson Nelson offered during April 2025 General Conference.
1:14.0	He said as Latter-day Saints diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill their lives,
1:19.2	their confidence in approaching God will increase.
1:22.6	When we make and keep covenants with God, we can have confidence
1:29.3	that is born of the Spirit.
1:33.5	Imagine the comfort of having
1:35.6	confidence in the
1:37.6	presence of God.
1:40.4	Now, how do we gain such confidence?
1:44.6	In the Lord's own words, charity and virtue open the way to having confidence before God.
1:53.6	As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives,
1:59.5	our confidence in approaching God will increase.
	...

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