Francisco Cândido Xavier, popularly known as Chico Xavier, was a renowned Brazilian philanthropist and spiritist medium. He was born on April 2, 1910, in Pedro Leopoldo, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Over a span of 60 years, Xavier authored more than 490 books and numerous letters using a process known as "psychography". His works, which ranged across topics such as religion, philosophy, historical romances, novels, Portuguese literature, poetry, and science, were aimed at informing, consoling, and uplifting families of deceased persons. His books sold an estimated 50 million copies, with all proceeds channeled into charity work.

Xavier's influence was pivotal in establishing Spiritism as a major religion in Brazil. Despite health issues, he continued his work until his death on June 30, 2002, in Uberaba. In 2010, a biographical movie titled Chico Xavier was released, dramatizing his life.

Xavier was accused of fraud concerning his abilities, with some critics questioning the authenticity of his psychographic work. Nonetheless, his impact was substantial, and he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1981 and 1982. On October 3, 2012, he was named "The Greatest Brazilian of all time" by the SBT television network, based on a viewer-supported survey.