Sister Inah Canabarro, a remarkable nun from Brazil, has recently been recognized as the world’s oldest confirmed living person, approaching the astonishing age of 117 years. This milestone comes as a celebration of her faith, which she attributes to her longevity. On January 7, 2025, the organization LongeviQuest, which specializes in verifying the ages of supercentenarians worldwide, affirmed Sister Inah’s status based on documented evidence of her early life, indicating her birth date as June 8, 1908, although her nephew claims that her actual birth was on May 27, 1908 due to a late registration.
Sister Inah became the world’s oldest living individual following the death of Tomiko Itooka in Japan, who passed away at 116 on December 26, 2024. Despite her advanced age, Sister Inah remains a vibrant and cherished figure, particularly among her family and the local community. Her nephew plays a pivotal role in her daily life, visiting her every Saturday and sending her encouraging voice messages in between visits. Following two recent hospitalizations, these gestures from her nephew have been vital in lifting her spirits. He noted that “the other sisters say she gets a jolt when she hears my voice. She gets excited,” highlighting the close-knit relationships that sustain her.
Sister Inah Canabarro’s story of devotion and resilience is remarkable. Born into a large family in Southern Brazil, she chose to dedicate her life to religious service during her teenage years. Her journey took her from Brazil to Montevideo, Uruguay for two years, and then to Rio de Janeiro before she firmly established her roots in her home state of Rio Grande do Sul. Her commitment to her faith has been unwavering throughout her life, and this devotion was recognized by Pope Francis on her 110th birthday.
Interestingly, Sister Inah is not only known for her religious commitment; she is also a huge fan of the local soccer club, Inter. This club has a special bond with her, as they celebrate her birthday annually, acknowledging her as their oldest supporter. Her living space is vibrant with memorabilia in the club’s signature red and white colors, symbolizing her passion for the team. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, celebrating her 116th birthday with the club’s president, Sister Inah expressed her inclusive sentiment, stating, “White or black, rich or poor, whoever you are, Inter is the team of the people.”
Sister Inah’s vitality and positive spirit serve as a source of inspiration for many. At the age of 116, she remains engaged with the world around her, sustaining connections to both her faith and her soccer club. Her life story not only records her incredible age but also highlights the social ties and personal relationships that have provided her joy and support over the decades.
As reports of her longevity circulate globally, Sister Inah Canabarro stands as a testament to the blending of faith, community, and passion for life. She has successfully lived through significant historical periods, witnessing transformations and events that shaped the world as we know it today. Both her life and her story resonate profoundly, igniting conversations about what contributes to a long and fulfilling life and inspiring individuals globally to cherish connections and follow their passions, no matter their age.
The coverage of Sister Inah’s extraordinary journey by news outlets like Fox News, particularly through contributions from reporters such as Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, ensures that her legacy will reach a wide audience, allowing others to learn from her example and perhaps one day celebrate similar milestones in their own lives.