Sister Inah Canabarro pictured in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on February 16, 2024. AP Photo
A soccer-loving nun from Brazil has now claimed the title of the world’s oldest living person, at nearly 117 years old, following the recent passing of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka. Sister Inah Canabarro, who resides in Porto Alegre, Brazil, has amazed everyone with her remarkable longevity.
Growing up, Sister Inah was so frail that many believed she wouldn’t survive childhood. Her 84-year-old nephew, Cleber Canabarro, shared that she was extremely underweight, making it unlikely for her to live long. But despite these early challenges, Sister Inah lived through to a record-breaking age.
LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks the world’s oldest people, confirmed her status as the world's oldest living person, as validated by early-life records. They made the announcement on Saturday, citing Sister Inah’s birthdate as June 8, 1908, although her nephew clarifies that she was actually born two weeks earlier, on May 27.
In a heartwarming video filmed by LongeviQuest in February, the elderly nun is seen smiling, cracking jokes, and sharing stories. She showcases the miniature paintings she created of wildflowers and recites the Hail Mary prayer. Despite being wheelchair-bound, Sister Inah remains vibrant and full of spirit.
When asked about her secret to living such a long life, she points to her Catholic faith as the foundation of her well-being. "I’m young, pretty, and friendly – all very good, positive qualities that you have too," she said with a beaming smile, engaging with her visitors at the retirement home.
Her nephew, who visits her every Saturday, sends her voice messages in between visits to lift her spirits, especially after two recent hospitalizations. These visits are a source of joy for Sister Inah. "She gets excited when she hears my voice," Cleber shared. Her energy seems to perk up at the sound of his words, demonstrating the strong bond they share.
Sister Inah's family background is rich in history. Her great-grandfather was a renowned Brazilian general who fought during the post-independence turmoil in Brazil. She dedicated her youth to religious life and spent time in Uruguay before eventually settling in Rio Grande do Sul, her home state.
In addition to her religious and spiritual duties, Sister Inah was a lifelong educator, having taught several generations. Among her students was Gen. Joao Figueiredo, Brazil's last military dictator. She also created two beloved marching bands at schools along the Brazil-Uruguay border, further cementing her legacy.
Sister Inah’s milestone was celebrated by Pope Francis on her 110th birthday, and she now holds the title of the second-oldest documented nun in history. Her room is decorated with gifts from her favorite local soccer team, Inter, which she supports passionately. In a video shared by her nephew, she proudly expresses her love for the team, emphasizing its inclusive spirit: “White or black, rich or poor, whoever you are, Inter is the team of the people.”
Following the passing of Tomiko Itooka in December, Sister Inah became the world’s oldest living person. She is now listed as the 20th-oldest documented person in history, with the record still held by Jeanne Calment, a Frenchwoman who lived to 122 years.
