Mother Teresa was born to Albanian parents and was baptized as Gonxhe Agnes. She felt a calling to religious life from an early age, joining the Sisters of Loreto at the age of 18.

After 17 years as a Loreto nun and serving as a teacher in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), she received a "call within a call" from God to serve the poorest of the poor.

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her tireless work in alleviating the suffering of the poor and promoting peace. She donated the prize money to the Missionaries of Charity.

In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that focused on helping those in dire need. The organization expanded globally, with missions in various countries.

Mother Teresa's influence extended beyond Kolkata. Missionaries of Charity homes were established worldwide, providing care for the sick and dying, orphanages, and centers for those with leprosy and HIV/AIDS.

Mother Teresa received numerous honors and awards, including the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award), the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and honorary citizenship in several countries.