116-year-old Catholic nun, world’s oldest person, passes away

Sister Inya Kanabarro Lucas. Photo: tribunechretienne.com

On April 30, 2025, Sister Inya Kanabarro Lucas, a 116-year-old Roman Catholic nun, passed away in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She had been recognized in January of this year as the oldest living person on Earth, according to tribunechretienne.com.

Born on June 8, 1908, Sister Inya was officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person following the death of 116-year-old Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka earlier this year. The title was confirmed by the international organization LongeviQuest, which specializes in verifying longevity records.

A native of Cruz Alta in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Sister Inya was the grandniece of General David Canabarro, a hero of 19th-century regional conflicts, and joined the Teresian Sisters religious order.

Until her final days, she lived among fellow nuns in the congregation’s residence in Porto Alegre. “She inspired us with her quiet faithfulness and constant kindness,” one of the sisters shared.

Her funeral service will be held in the congregation’s chapel in the presence of sisters, relatives, and faithful. The title of the world’s oldest person will now pass to another longevity record holder after official verification.

Earlier, the UOJ reported the death of Pope Francis.

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