World’s Oldest Person, Brazilian Nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, Dies at 116.

Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian Roman Catholic nun and educator recognized as the world’s oldest living person, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, at the age of 116. Her death was confirmed by the Company of Saint Teresa of Jesus, the religious order she served for nearly a century.

A Life of Faith and Service

Born on June 8, 1908, in São Francisco de Assis, Rio Grande do Sul, Lucas entered religious life as a teenager, joining the Teresian Sisters in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1928. She later returned to Brazil, dedicating her life to education and spiritual service. Throughout her career, she taught various subjects, including Portuguese, mathematics, and history, in schools across Brazil. Among her notable students was General João Figueiredo, Brazil’s last military dictator.

Lucas was also instrumental in founding school marching bands along the Brazil-Uruguay border, fostering cultural exchange and community spirit.

Recognition and Legacy

In January 2025, Lucas was officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person by LongeviQuest, following the death of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka. She was also acknowledged as the second-oldest nun in recorded history, after France’s Lucile Randon.

A devout Catholic, Lucas attributed her longevity to her unwavering faith and daily prayer. On her 110th birthday, she received an apostolic blessing from Pope Francis, honoring her lifetime of dedication and service.

A Community Icon

Beyond her religious and educational contributions, Lucas was a passionate supporter of Sport Club Internacional, a football team based in Porto Alegre. The club celebrated her birthdays with cakes and decorations in the team’s red and white colors, reflecting her enduring community presence.