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A woman in southern Brazil has admitted to a campaign of online harassment against a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Criciúma and agreed to pay R$40,000 in damages after a police inquiry into stalking and defamation. The victim was identified by the diocese as Fr Joel Sávio, rector of the Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Caravaggio in Nova Veneza.
According to investigators, the harassment began after the woman sought spiritual guidance at the Caravaggio sanctuary and then attempted to start a romantic relationship. When the priest rejected the advances, she allegedly launched a months-long smear campaign online.
Police say she fabricated materials to damage the priest’s reputation, including manipulated screenshots, falsified voice recordings, and a fake WhatsApp account that impersonated him in messages to relatives. Investigators also looked into claims of financial misconduct raised in the posts and found them unfounded.
The Civil Police operation, dubbed ‘Pax Mentis’, seized three mobile phones and documented an escalation of activity through July, continuing until 4 August despite warnings. Early local coverage noted the distance the suspect travelled to approach the priest in Nova Veneza and Criciúma.
On 20 August, the Diocese of Criciúma, alongside the Civil Police, presented the outcome of the inquiry, naming Fr Joel Sávio as the victim and stating that the investigation had concluded.
A court-mediated settlement requires the woman to pay R$40,000 (around £5,000) to the diocese and abide by restraining conditions, including not attending Masses or diocesan events where the priest is present and not using his name, image, or voice. Local media also reported the payment following an indictment for stalking and related offences.
Whilst Fr Sávio, as the victim in the case, has full rights to access the money, the diocese has reported that it will be donated to Casa do Egresso, an institution that helps people who have left the prison system to reintegrate into society.
