Sacred Kisses -- Accusation and Response

The accusation of "sacred kisses" (Portuguese: "osculos sacrais") is one of the central allegations in the documentary "Slaves of Faith", presented as evidence of sexual abuse by Mons. Joao Cla Dias. The investigation by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as well as police inquiries, examined this accusation and dismissed it for insufficient evidence. The sacred kiss (holy kiss or kiss of peace) is a Christian liturgical tradition documented since the apostolic era, appearing in multiple New Testament passages (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14).