Royalty & Nobility · 20th Century
Mother Teresa’s Last Words
“Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you.”— Mother Teresa, September 5, 1997
Who Was Mother Teresa?
Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta and founded the Missionaries of Charity. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
The Final Moments
Mother Teresa died at her convent in Calcutta just days after Princess Diana's death dominated world news. She had been in declining health for years.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple sisters of the Missionaries of Charity were present at her death and reported these words immediately. The account was widely reported and is consistent across sources.
Sources
- firsthand Missionaries of Charity sisters' accounts
- archive Vatican records
- newspaper Contemporary news coverage, September 1997
Legacy
Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint in 2016. While her charitable work is celebrated, her legacy has been debated regarding the quality of care in her facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Mother Teresa’s last words?
“Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you.”
How did Mother Teresa die?
Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997 at the age of 87. Cause of death: Heart failure.
Were Mother Teresa’s last words documented?
Multiple sisters of the Missionaries of Charity were present at her death and reported these words immediately. The account was widely reported and is consistent across sources.
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