Holding a scythe in one hand and a globe in the other, the Santa Muerte could be easily mistaken for the Grim Reaper. But to her supporters, this skeletal saint, affectionately nicknamed “skinny woman”, has the power to heal illness, bring prosperity and even help them find love.

Known as the patron saint of violent drug cartels for her relative tolerance, Our Lady of Holy Death is perhaps the fastest growing religion in the Americas.

When Jasmin Marquez was sentenced to life in prison but freed after only a year, she attributed the "miracle" to this smiling skeleton in a dress.

Standing reverently before the shrine of the Santa Muerte she carefully lit a cigarette and let it burn without toking.

“It’s for her,” she explained, in a whisper so as not to disturb the other worshippers.