Sister Francis Piscatella has officially been named the world’s oldest living nun at the remarkable age of 112, according to a statement released by Guinness World Records on July 31, 2025.
Born in 1913 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Sister Francis has lived through some of the most defining moments in modern history from two world wars and the Great Depression to the terms of 20 U.S. presidents and the reigns of seven different popes.
“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,” Guinness World Records said.
Nine Decades of Devotion
Sister Francis entered the convent in 1931, joining the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Over the next 60 years, she taught English and Latin in Catholic schools across the American Midwest, becoming a beloved figure known for her “discipline, humor, and unwavering kindness.”
“I’ve seen the world torn apart and brought back together. Through it all, God has been constant,” she said, reflecting on her extraordinary life.
She recalls hearing news of the Pearl Harbor attack over a convent radio, watching the moon landing, and gathering with fellow sisters to witness the first papal Mass broadcast on television.
As part of the global recognition, Pope Francis issued a personal apostolic blessing to Sister Francis, praising her decades of faith and service.
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President Joe Biden also offered tribute, calling her story “a quiet testament to American resilience and spiritual strength.”
“She embodies grace, resilience, and a lifetime of unwavering faith,” said Bishop Thomas Keller, who visited her earlier this year. “Her witness to history — and to hope — is unparalleled.”
Now living in a convent in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Sister Francis remains mentally sharp despite being wheelchair-bound and partially deaf.
She leads morning prayers and takes part in weekly scripture readings with her fellow nuns.
Asked about the secret to her long life, she smiled and offered three simple words, “Prayer, gratitude, and silence.”
