Cool Facts
Helped the poorest. Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a group dedicated to caring for people living in extreme poverty in Calcutta, India. She spent decades working directly with people who had almost nothing.
Became a saint. The Catholic Church officially recognized Mother Teresa as a saint in 2016, which is a huge honor given to people who did extraordinary good in the world. People around the globe admired her dedication.
Born in Albania. Her real name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, and she was born in Albania. She felt called to help others and moved to India as a young woman to do mission work.
Cared for the sick. Mother Teresa worked with people suffering from diseases like leprosy and HIV, showing them love and dignity when others turned away. She believed everyone deserved compassion, no matter their condition.
Built hospitals. She and her missionaries established hospitals, schools, and homes for the dying poor across India and eventually in many countries around the world.