The ancient church's concept of saints as holy intermediaries between God and humanity developed from hierarchical thinking, where those closer to the top of the social pyramid held more power and influence. This idea emerged in the 4th century, influenced by the conversion of the emperor and the influx of pagans into the church, who brought their own attitudes towards prayer and intermediaries. The cult of the saints became a crucial part of the piety of the late ancient church, the medieval church, and the continuing Roman Catholic church today. [... more]