Maria Francesca Pastore, the oldest known living nun in Italy, dies at 110
The Gerontology Research Group (GRG) is saddened to reported that Mrs. Maria Francesca Pastore (known as Sister Letizia), the oldest known living nun in Italy, sadly passed away in Bitonto, Apulia on 30 July 2026 at the final age of 110 years and 287 days.
Maria Francesca Pastore was born in Santeramo in Colle, Apulia, Italy, on 16 October 1915, to parents Letizia Maria Vita Giuseppa Perniola and Vito Donato Pastore.
Later, she became a nun in 1940, when she was 25, and has continued as such for over 85 years.
On 9 October 2025, she became the oldest known living person in Apulia, following the death of 110-year-old Iolanda Mazzotta. A week later, she celebrated her 110th birthday and became a supercentenarian.
On 17 November 2025, her age was officially validated by the GRG, verified by Andrea Oddone.
On 14 December 2025, she became the oldest known living nun in Italy, following the death of 110-year-old Velia Antonelli (known as Sister Gabriella) of Rome.
Maria Francesca Pastore lived in a monastery in Bitonto, Apulia, Italy, where she passed away on 30 July 2026, at the age of 110 years and 287 days. She lived through the Spanish flu pandemic, World War II, SARS, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mrs. Maria Francesca Pastore during this difficult time.
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1. Addio suor Letizia: muore a 110 anni a Bitonto una delle religiose più longeve d’Italia
2. È morta suor Letizia di Bitonto: a 110 anni se ne va la monaca più anziana d’Italia. È sopravvissuta all’epidemia di influenza Spagnola, alla II Guerra Mondiale, alla Sars e al Covid
3. Addio suor Letizia, la suora più longeva d’Italia si è spenta a 110 anni
4. Letizia, una vita in clausura: chi era la suora morta a 110 anni. “Bellezza dietro le grate”