Unknown individuals fired gunshots and detonated an explosive device at the secondary entrance of the San Filippo Neri church in Palermo’s Zen neighborhood.
On 28 December 2025, police investigated damage to the San Filippo Neri Catholic church in Palermo’s Zen district after unknown individuals fired multiple gunshots and detonated an explosive device, described by the parish priest as “a large firework or a device made from several firecrackers,” against the building’s secondary entrance on Via Fausto Coppi. Forensic officers documented shotgun and handgun impacts, including a visible buckshot strike and several fresh bullet holes with shell casings still on the ground, and confirmed that projectiles entered the church while it was unoccupied.
Father Giovanni Giannalia stated that “the blast was very strong” and called the act “intolerable,” adding that “shooting a shotgun at a church is absurd.” He said the episode reflected a pattern of dangerous behavior in the area and urged stronger controls, noting that identifying those responsible “would send an important signal” to individuals who “think they can act undisturbed.” City councilor Mariangela Di Gangi added that striking the parish “means striking the community in one of its healthiest components,” expressing solidarity with the pastor and parishioners.