Though not officially recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, Santa Muerte's popularity has spread significantly in the last ten years, especially in crime-ridden communities.EFE / Zumapress
On Bended Knee
A man kneels as he approaches the altar of the Saint.Hector Mata / AFP / Getty
Road Trip
Two men head home after paying their respects at the shrine in Tepito.Hector Mata / AFP / Getty
Invoked
During the 2006 World Cup, the Saint was adorned in Mexico's national colors, placed there by devotees who hoped that Santa Muerte would bring good fortune to the national team.Luis Acosta / AFP / Getty
Icons
A woman sells framed images of the Saint in the Tepito neighborhood.Hector Mata / AFP / Getty
Dark Passage
A procession with a Santa Muerte figure ends on the Zócalo, Mexico City's central plaza.Alexandre Meneghini / AP
Face of Death
The Catholic Church has condemned Santa Muerte as devil worship.Adriana Zehbrauskas / Polaris
Powerful Symbols
The figure of the Saint often holds a scythe, which represents justice, and a globe, which represents dominion over the whole world.Jorge Uzon / AFP / Getty
Devotional
A man pauses next to one of the many shrines to Santa Muerte in Mexico City. The Saint's followers seek protection from the evil that lurks in their lives. Others seek darker blessings no other saint would approve.EFE / Zumapress
Chapel
A family prays to the Saint at the Iglesia de la Piedad (Mercy Church) in Tepito, a neighborhood in Mexico City where many of the city's shrines to the Santa Muerte can be found. The area is one of the most infamous in the country, home to a flourishing black market, poverty and extensive crime.Jack Kurtz / Zumapress
Offering
Devotees of the Saint frequently offer cigars and cigarettes. Other offerings include fresh flowers, money, candy, alcohol — favorites are tequila, rum and sherry — water, bread and incense.Jack Kurtz / Zumapress
Procession
A man carries the Saint's figure, along with offerings, through the streets of Mexico City. The white dress represents purification and defense against negative energy.Juan Barreto / AFP / Getty
Marked for Life
In Latin America, tattoos are closely associated with the world of crime.Juan Barreto / AFP / Getty
Family Affair
A man brings an offering of flowers to a Santa Muerte shrine in Mexico City.Jorge Uzon / AFP / Getty
Fresh Blooms
Flower shops do a thriving business in the streets near the shrine.Jorge Uzon / AFP / Getty
