João Teixeira de Faria

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João Teixeira de Faria, also known as João de Deus (John of God), was born on June 24, 1942, in Cachoeira de Goiás, Brazil. He claimed to be a spiritual medium and a psychic surgeon who ran a healing center called Casa de Dom Inácio de Loyola in Abadiânia. He had no medical training and described himself as a simple farmer. His center drew millions of visitors who sought cures, and it sold herbs and other items, earning him a lot of money.

Skeptics and medical critics said his healing methods were tricks or placebo. Media outlets and investigators questioned the procedures and the results.

In 2018, after more than 600 accusations of sexual abuse, Faria surrendered to police. He was later found guilty of multiple crimes, including rape, sexual misconduct, and illegal possession of firearms, with sentences totaling 489 years and 4 months in prison. He faced further convictions in 2023, adding about 118 more years for additional rape cases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was placed under house arrest because of his age and health. He had also been a controversial figure for many years, attracting international media attention and criticism.