Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, World’s Oldest Person, Passes Away at 116

Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, renowned for being the world's oldest person, has passed away at 116 in Brazil, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service.

Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a soccer-loving nun from Brazil, has passed away at the age of 116, just weeks shy of her 117th birthday, according to her religious order, the Irmãs Teresianas Brasil. Recognized by Guinness World Records in January as the world's oldest living person following the passing of Tomiko Itooka from Japan, Sister Inah's longevity was celebrated widely, including a personal blessing from Pope Francis on her 110th birthday.

The announcement of her death was made via a heartfelt social media message from her congregation, expressing gratitude for her dedicated life of service and asking for her peaceful welcome into divine love. The exact cause of her death was not disclosed, although relatives informed Brazilian media that she died of old age. Throughout her later years, Sister Inah experienced some decline in sight and hearing but maintained her independence, opting for minimal medical interventions until a cataract surgery at age 106.

Born during an era of significant historical milestones — the introduction of the Model T car, the pre-discovery of insulin, and years before the invention of television — Sister Inah’s life spanned over a century of remarkable change. As she leaves this world, her spirit and dedication to her community will be fondly remembered.