World’s oldest person, Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, passes away at 116

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil — Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, officially recognized as the world’s oldest person, has passed away at the extraordinary age of 116. Her life was marked by unwavering faith and decades of service.

Born on 8 June 1908, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas was declared the world’s oldest living person earlier this year after the death of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who was also 116.

The Teresian Sisters in Porto Alegre, where Canabarro devoted her life to her religious mission, released a statement mourning her passing and celebrating her lifelong dedication to faith and service.

According to LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks global longevity records, Canabarro’s early years were fraught with health challenges, making her survival uncertain. She later embraced her religious calling, taking her vows as a nun in 1934 at the age of 26.

Pope Francis, who himself passed away recently, personally blessed Sister Canabarro on her 110th birthday, a moment cherished by her community.

LongeviQuest records show that Canabarro was the 15th oldest verified person in recorded history and the second oldest nun, surpassed only by French nun Lucile Randon, who lived to 118 and passed away in 2023.

Sister Canabarro’s remarkable life stands as a testament to her resilience and faith, leaving a legacy celebrated by her community and the world.