Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Muerte is no saint, says archbishop
An American archbishop has condemned the popular veneration of Santa Muerte, the skeleton folk saint also known as the Bony Lady.
Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, told the Associated Press that he thought some Catholics might mistakenly believe the folk saint was sanctioned by the Church. But the focus on death is counter to the Church’s teachings. “Our devotion is to the God of life,” Archbishop Wester said. Santa Muerte has gained popular appeal in recent years, especially among the poor, as well as with criminals and drug traffickers. Devotees petition her with offerings of cigarettes and tequila, asking for job promotions and protection from police.
