World’s Oldest Person, Sister Inah, Dies at 116
In a bittersweet moment for longevity watchers and admirers of incredible life stories everywhere, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, the world’s oldest living person and the oldest living nun, has passed away.
The Brazilian nun, age 116, died on April 30th, just weeks shy of her 117th birthday. Her death marks the end of a chapter in the longevity news world – and the celebration of a life lived with purpose, devotion, and more than a few surprises along the way.
World’s Oldest Person, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, Dies at 116
Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas was born in June 1908 in São Francisco de Assis, Rio Grande do Sul. Because she was so small and frail, few people expected her to live past infancy, let alone become the oldest person in the world in 2025. But, Lucas proved to be as strong in spirit as she was gentle in demeanor.
At 16, she took her first steps toward a religious life by enrolling at the Santa Teresa de Jesus boarding school. She was baptized in 1926 and later confirmed in Uruguay in 1929.
Teaching soon followed. Lucas taught Math and Portuguese in Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, before taking her perpetual vows as a nun in 1934. Her days were filled with lessons, prayers, and service.
Over the decades, she wore many hats: teacher, professor, secretary, and spiritual mentor. She became a part of the Provincial House in Porto Alegre in 1980 and remained there for the rest of her life.
She was blessed by Pope Francis in 2018 after celebrating her 110th birthday, a recognition of both her devotion and her remarkable longevity.
But, Sister Inah wasn’t all rosaries and chalkboards. She had a lively spirit and loved soccer. LongeviQuest, the global authority on longevity, described her as a “devoted supporter of Sport Club Internacional.” Imagine that; Brazil’s oldest nun cheering on the home team.
Sister Inah’s Record-Breaking Longevity
The longevity news community followed Sister Inah’s rise closely. She began breaking records in 2022, when she became Brazil’s oldest ecclesiastical figure. From there, the titles piled up:
Oldest living person in Brazil
Oldest person in Latin America
Second-oldest nun in recorded history
World’s oldest living person by December 2024
At the time of her death, she was officially the 15th oldest documented person in history and the second oldest ever from Brazil.
Sister Inah was often asked what kept her going for so long. Her answer? Simple but profound: “God. He is the secret of life. He is the secret of everything.”
Her long and impactful life came to an end in Porto Alegre. And, while the world’s oldest person dies, headlines mark the end of her time with us, her story lives on.
A New Generation of Supercentenarians
With Sister Inah’s passing, the baton has been passed. The new oldest person in the world is Ethel Caterham. She lives in Surrey, England, and is currently 115 years and 252 days old. Meanwhile, Izabel Rosa Pereira, at 114, is now Brazil’s oldest living resident.
Remembering Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas
When the world’s oldest person dies, we don’t just mourn. We reflect and we celebrate. Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, humility, and surprising zest for life.
She stood as a living reminder that a life rooted in meaning – whether in the classroom, the chapel, or the football stadium – can echo far beyond a single lifetime.
So, here’s to Sister Inah: a Brazilian nun who lived 116 years with grace, humor, and heart. May her story continue to inspire generations to come.