Meet Sister Inah Lucas: The World’s Oldest Living Person

At 116 years old, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has been confirmed as the world’s oldest living person by LongeviQuest. Her confirmation came after the death of Tomiko Itooka of Japan on December 29, 2024. A lifelong nun, teacher, and soccer enthusiast, Lucas has made history as the 20th oldest person ever recorded and the second-oldest nun in documented history. Her inspiring journey spans faith, education, and a passion for soccer.

Key Highlights of Inah Lucas

Personal Details

• Name: Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas
• Age: 116 years (as of January 2025)
• Birthdate: June 8, 1908 (originally thought to be May 27, 1908)
• Birthplace: São Francisco de Assis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
• Profession: Nun, teacher, professor, secretary
• Great-Granddaughter of General David Canabarro, a leader of the Ragamuffin War

Major Milestones in Longevity

• January 2, 2022 – Recognized as the oldest Brazilian ecclesiastical person ever
• January 23, 2022 – Became the oldest documented living person in Brazil
• July 30, 2022 – Became the oldest validated living person in South and Latin America
• February 16, 2024 – Recognized as Brazil’s oldest living person
• February 22, 2024 – Became the oldest living person in the Americas and third-oldest in the world
• August 19, 2024 – Became the second-oldest living person worldwide
• December 29, 2024 – Officially recognized as the world’s oldest living person

Life a Nun and Educator

• Began religious studies at 16 years old at the Santa Teresa de Jesus boarding school in Santana do Livramento, Brazil.
• Baptized at 17 years old and moved to Montevideo, Uruguay, for Catholic Church confirmation at 21.
• Returned to Brazil to teach Portuguese and mathematics in Tijuca, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro.
• Took her perpetual vows as a nun in 1934 at the age of 26.
• Worked as a teacher, professor, and secretary until her retirement in 1995.

Faith and Longevity Belief

• Lucas credits her faith in God as the secret to her longevity.
• Her words: “He is the secret of life. He is the secret of everything.”

Recognition from Vatican

• Celebrated her 110th birthday in 2018 with an apostolic blessing from Pope Francis.