Soccer-loving nun from Brazil claims title of world's oldest living person
- Sister Inah Canabarro was born on June 8, 1908, and is recognized as the world's oldest living person following the death of a Japanese woman.
- She has lived a life marked by faith, art, and connection with her community, including celebrations with a local soccer club.
- Her story contributes to the ongoing interest in supercentenarians and the factors that lead to longevity.
In Brazil, a remarkable milestone was recently achieved as Sister Inah Canabarro, who was born on June 8, 1908, is now recognized as the world's oldest living person at nearly 117 years old. This extraordinary recognition came after the passing of Tomiko Itooka from Japan in December 2024. Sister Inah's life story is filled with spirit; despite being frail as a child, she not only survived but thrived, supported by a strong Catholic faith. Her longevity is celebrated globally, highlighting the stories of supercentenarians tracked by organizations like LongeviQuest. As a member of the Teresian congregation, Sister Inah has dedicated her life to religious service since her teenage years, spending time in various cities including Montevideo, Uruguay, and Rio de Janeiro. She has come to embody joy and positivity, radiating an infectious spirit even in her advanced age. Known for her jovial personality, she was filmed by LongeviQuest last February, where she can be seen humorously engaging with visitors while sharing her artistic talents, showcasing her miniature paintings of wildflowers and reciting prayers, including her favorite, the Hail Mary. Canabarro's family history adds another layer to her inspiring narrative; her great-grandfather was a well-known Brazilian general who played a significant role during Brazil's independence struggles in the 19th century. Sister Inah is considered the second oldest nun documented in history, following Lucile Randon, who held the title of the world's oldest person before her death in 2023 at 118. This remarkable milestone aligns with the increase in attention towards supercentenarians, encouraging research and documentation of those who achieve such advanced ages. Turning 110 was a milestone for Sister Inah, as she received an honorable mention from Pope Francis. The local soccer club, Inter, has embraced her as a cherished fan, celebrating her birthdays with grand festivities that showcase her involvement in the community. Sister Inah's life story is a warm reminder of resilience, faith, and the celebration of life as she continues to inspire those around her with her positive outlook and experiences, embodying what it means to lead a life well-lived.