Sister Inah Canabarro, a Brazilian nun and teacher who held the title of the world’s oldest living person, has passed away at the age of 116. Her death occurred on Wednesday at her home in Porto Alegre, Brazil, due to natural causes, as confirmed by her religious congregation, the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus.
Canabarro was officially recognized as the world’s oldest person in January 2025 by LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks supercentenarians. She would have turned 117 on May 27. Following her passing, the title of the world’s oldest person now belongs to Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old woman from the UK.
In a video recorded in February 2024, Sister Inah shared that her Catholic faith played a key role in her extraordinary longevity. Despite her frail beginnings, as she was once thought unlikely to survive childhood, Canabarro lived a full and vibrant life, sharing jokes, miniature paintings, and prayers with those around her.
Sister Inah was a lifelong teacher, and her legacy included mentoring countless students, including Brazil’s last military dictator, Gen. João Figueiredo. She was also instrumental in creating marching bands at schools on the border between Brazil and Uruguay.
Pope Francis honored her on her 110th birthday. Canabarro ranked as the 20th oldest person ever documented, with the title held by Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122.
LongeviQuest praised her legacy, calling her long life “meaningful” and “inspirational.” A wake will be held for Canabarro on Thursday in Porto Alegre.
