Soccer-Loving Nun from Brazil Becomes World’s Oldest Living Person at Nearly 117
A soccer-loving nun from Brazil has recently claimed the title of the world’s oldest living person at nearly 117 years old, following the death of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka in December.
Sister Inah Canabarro, who was once considered too frail to survive childhood, defied the odds. Her 84-year-old nephew, Cleber Canabarro, shared with The Associated Press that Sister Inah was so thin growing up that many believed she wouldn’t make it. Yet, she has now surpassed 116 years, earning her place in history.
LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks supercentenarians worldwide, confirmed the milestone. They recently declared Sister Inah the oldest living person with validated early life records. A video from the organization in February showed the cheerful nun laughing, sharing miniature paintings of wildflowers she once created, and reciting the Hail Mary prayer.
When asked about the secret to her remarkable longevity, Sister Inah credits her deep Catholic faith. In a message to visitors at her retirement home in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, she shared her positive outlook on life: “I’m young, pretty, and friendly — all very good qualities that you have too.”
Her nephew, who visits her every Saturday, says she is particularly joyful when hearing his voice, especially after two hospitalizations left her weak and with difficulty speaking.
Sister Inah was born on June 8, 1908, into a large family in southern Brazil. While her birth was officially recorded two weeks later, her nephew insists that she was actually born on May 27. Her great-grandfather was a renowned Brazilian general who played a key role in the country’s post-independence struggles.
As a teenager, Sister Inah began her religious life and worked in Montevideo, Uruguay, for two years before moving to Rio de Janeiro and later settling in Rio Grande do Sul. A lifelong educator, she taught many students, including Gen. João Figueiredo, Brazil’s last military dictator (1964-1985). She was also a beloved figure who established two marching bands for schools near the border between Uruguay and Brazil.
Sister Inah received a special honor on her 110th birthday when Pope Francis recognized her. She holds the title of the second-oldest documented nun, after Lucile Randon, who passed away in 2023 at 118 years old.
Known for her lifelong support of soccer, she is celebrated annually by her local team, Inter, who commemorates the birthday of its oldest fan. Her room is adorned with red and white gifts from the club, and she remains an iconic figure for its supporters. In a video celebrating her 116th birthday, she proudly declared, “White or black, rich or poor, whoever you are, Inter is the team of the people.”
After the passing of Tomiko Itooka, Sister Inah now holds the title of the world’s oldest living person. She is also ranked as the 20th-oldest person ever documented, following Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 122.
Sister Inah’s story continues to inspire, proving that resilience, faith, and joy can lead to an extraordinary and fulfilling life.
