Discover The History and Rituals of The Saint of Death Santa Muerte is responsible for protection, healing, and safe passage to the afterlife for those who venerated her in life. This deity has significantly grown in popularity over the past few decades, much to the dismay of the Catholic Church, Mexican government, and other official bodies. You can see her now in many places in Mexico with shrines erected in her name and the many followers associated with the Santa Muerte movement.