Why is Mother Teresa famous?

Answer 1

For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion, first throughout India and then in other countries.

In Addition:

By the early 1970s, Mother Teresa had become an international celebrity. Her fame can be in large part attributed to the 1969 documentary Something Beautiful for God,which was filmed by Malcolm Muggeridge and his 1971 book of the same title.

Answer 2

Her fame can be in large part attributed to the 1969 documentary Something Beautiful for God, which was filmed by Malcolm Muggeridge and his 1971 book of the same title. Around this time, the Catholic world began to honor Mother Teresa publicly. In 1971, Paul VI awarded her the first Pope John XXIII Peace Prize, commending her for her work with the poor, display of Christian charity and efforts for peace. She later received the Pacem in Terris Award (1976). Mother Teresa considered all this attention to be a distraction and hindrance to her work. She was, basically, a shy and private person and would much have preferred to spend her hours working with the poor rather than giving interviews and having speaking engagements all over the world.