A woman in southern Brazil has admitted to harassing a Catholic priest online after he rejected her attempts to form a romantic relationship.

The Diocese of Criciúma confirmed that Fr Joel Sávio, rector of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Caravaggio in Nova Veneza, was the target of the smear campaign.

Police say the woman created fake accounts, altered screenshots, and fabricated recordings in order to damage his reputation.

Following an investigation codenamed “Pax Mentis,” she agreed to pay R$40,000 (around £5,000) in damages and accepted restrictions banning her from attending Masses or events where Fr Sávio is present.

The diocese said it would donate the compensation to Casa do Egresso, a charity helping former prisoners rebuild their lives.

Investigators stressed that allegations of financial misconduct made against the priest were “unfounded.”