Folk saints are revered individuals or spirits not officially canonized by a religious institution, yet venerated by communities who believe they intercede with God or act directly in their lives. These popular figures, often including folk healers, indigenous spirits, or local heroes, are particularly prominent in Latin America, despite many being considered "sinners" by official doctrine. Their origins trace back to ancient Abrahamic and early Christian traditions of honoring revered figures through popular acclaim, where fame grows as tales of miracles spread, often blurring the line between praying for and praying to a deceased person at their tomb. Many folk saints also arise from the syncretic blending of Catholic practices with local cultural and religious traditions. While the Church attempted to purge non-Catholic figures from its official list around 1969, folk saints continue to thrive through community devotion, sometimes referred to as "animas" or spirits to distinguish them from official saints.