Football lover A nun from Brazil is believed to have become the world's oldest person at the age of 117, thanks to her strong Catholic belief in her longevity.
LongeviQuest, an organization that tracks centenarians around the world, issued a statement on Saturday declaring Sister Ena Kanabaru the world's oldest person, which has been verified by early life records.
The nun, who is now sitting in a wheelchair, was crowned the oldest living person in the world after Tomiko Itoka died in Japan at the age of 116 on December 26, 2024.
Her nephew spends time with her every Saturday and sends her voice messages between visits to keep her spirits up after the elderly woman was hospitalized twice.
“The other sisters say they are shocked when they hear my voice,” he said. “She's excited.”
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In this photo published by LongeviQuest, Sister Ina Canabaru, 116, brings her hands together in prayer, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Friday, February 16, 2024. (Carlos Macedo/LongevQuest, via AP)
Kanabaru was born on June 8, 1908 into a large family In southern BrazilAccording to LongeviQuest researchers. But her nephew said her birth was registered two weeks late, and that she was actually born on May 27, 1908.
As a teenager, she turned to religious work and spent two years In Montevideo, UruguayBefore moving to Rio de Janeiro and eventually settling in her native state of Rio Grande do Sul.
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On her 110th birthday, she was honored by Pope Francis. She is the second oldest nun ever documented after Lucille Randon, who was the oldest person in the world until her death in 2023 at the age of 118.
Pope Francis holds the rosary during the closing Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on October 29, 2023. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Along with her commitment her faith for life, It is dedicated to the local football club Inter. The club, which was founded after Kanabaru's birth, celebrates her birthday every year as its biggest fan.
Her room was decorated with red and white team gifts, her nephew said.
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She said in press statements: “Black or white, rich or poor, whoever you are, Inter is the people’s team.” Video posted on social media She celebrates her 116th birthday with the club president.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
