Crossword Genius

It's touching when leader becomes married in absentia (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

kissing

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'leader becomes married in absentia' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'it's touching when' is the wordplay.
'it's touching' becomes 'kiss' (kiss is a kind of touching).
'when' becomes 'ing' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'kiss'+'ing'='KISSING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for kissing that I've seen before include "Gently touching" , "Osculation" , "Caressing with lips" , "delivering smack" , "Osculating" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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