Sister Francis Piscatella, aged 112, has been officially named the world’s oldest living nun.

Sister Francis | Split header collage, now and then as a nun | GWR Website

This is according to a statement released by Guinness World Records on July 31, 2025.

Born in 1913 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Sister Francis has spent more than nine decades in religious service, and her life spans some of the most pivotal events in modern history — including two world wars, 20 U.S. presidencies, and the leadership of seven popes.

In Nun Regalia | GWR Website

“The record-breaking recognition follows a thorough verification process by Guinness, placing Sister Francis among the oldest verified people alive globally — and the longest-serving nun in modern times,” it read.

Sister Francis entered the convent in 1931, joining the Order of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart.

Sister Francis at 102

She spent over 60 years as a teacher of English and Latin across Catholic schools in the Midwest, remembered by generations of former students for her “discipline, humor, and unwavering kindness.”

Reflecting on her extraordinary life, she said: “I’ve seen the world torn apart and brought back together. Through it all, God has been constant.”

She vividly remembers moments like hearing news of the Pearl Harbor attack over the convent radio, watching man land on the moon, and gathering with fellow nuns to witness the first televised papal Mass.

Global Recognition, Blessings

As part of the announcement, Pope Francis sent a personal apostolic blessing, commending her lifetime of devotion and faith.

The White House also issued a note of recognition, with President Joe Biden calling her life story “a quiet testament to American resilience and spiritual strength.”

Sister Francis on 110th birthday

“She embodies grace, resilience, and a lifetime of unwavering faith,” said Bishop Thomas Keller, who visited the convent earlier this year. “Her witness to history — and to hope — is unparalleled.”

Though now wheelchair-bound and partially deaf, Sister Francis remains mentally alert and spiritually engaged. She leads morning prayers and participates in weekly scripture readings at her convent in Lancaster County.

Sister Francis on a wheel chair

When asked about the secret to her long life, she smiled and offered three words: “Prayer, gratitude, and silence.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed solidarity with Benue State, assuring its people and government that their sorrow is shared across the region.

The message was delivered during a condolence visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, following renewed violent attacks in the state.

The delegation, made up of bishops, pastors, and leaders from multiple Christian denominations, was led by Rev. J.J. Hayab.

Their presence signaled a united Christian front in grief and concern for the victims of the attacks.

The visit came shortly after Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited Benue to commiserate with those affected and express the federal government’s concern.

An emotional Governor Alia described the occasion as both spiritually uplifting and emotionally grounding.

“You risked your lives to be here tonight. As I shook hands with each of you, I felt warmth, I felt love,” Alia said.

“This is what Christianity is: ‘I am because you are, and you are because I am.’” He stated.

He stressed that the solidarity visits, including that of the First Lady and CAN, reaffirmed that Benue is not isolated in its struggle. The governor also called on Christian leaders to step beyond religious roles and become more actively involved in shaping the nation’s policies and governance.

“Until you get to the formula table, you won’t understand the equation,” he said, urging the clergy to become active participants in Nigeria’s political and social transformation.

Governor Alia further noted that despite the difficult times, certain federal policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were necessary steps to stabilize the economy.

In his address, Hayab clarified that their mission was deeply personal, not just a routine act of condolence.

“We didn’t just want to issue statements from afar. We came to tell you face-to-face: you are not alone.

“When terrorists kill sleeping children, women and students, don’t call them herdsmen. That is not who herdsmen are. Call them what they are — criminals,” he said.

Rev. Hayab also warned of the broader implications of the crisis, noting that continued violence in Benue, Nigeria’s food-producing heartland, could severely threaten the nation’s food supply.

Also speaking at the gathering, Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede, Vice-Chairman of CAN in Benue, thanked the visiting delegation and lauded Governor Alia’s leadership.

“Here in Benue, no civil servant is owed current salaries. Pensioners are rejoicing. Our governor is a promise keeper, a talk-and-do leader,” he remarked.

He further noted that the governor’s name, Iormem meaning “the people have rested” is beginning to reflect in his governance despite ongoing security concerns.

The delegation includes clerics from various Christian blocs, including Catholic, Baptist, ECWA, PECAN, and White Garment churches.

Co-founder of Lakewood Church, Mrs. Dolores Osteen, known affectionately as “Mama Dodie” is dead.

His son, Joel Osteen announced the passing of his mother in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.

According to reports, the clergy passed away due to natural causes at the age of 91.