In Palermo’s Zen district the parish church of San Filippo Neri was repeatedly targeted in a series of violent attacks at the end of December and in the early days of January, with explosions and gunfire directed at the building’s entrances and interior.
At the end of December 2025 and again in early January 2026, the Church of San Filippo Neri in Palermo’s Zen district was targeted in two separate attacks involving a firecracker explosion and multiple gunshots fired at the building.
In the second incident, gunfire reportedly penetrated the structure and reached the interior, causing material damage and creating a high-risk situation, although no one was inside at the time.
The parish priest and local authorities have described the events as acts of intimidation aimed at the church and its social role in the neighbourhood, with the attacks being interpreted as a direct challenge to the Christian community and public order in the area.
Addressing the situation, Archbishop Lorefice said: "If it's true that attacking a church is a despicable act because it wounds an entire community. (...) In the face of this new unworthy attack, which even strikes and damages the hall where the liturgy is celebrated, we raise our voices forcefully against those who believe they can intimidate and thwart the courageous proclamation of the Gospel and the commitment to the neighborhood's social and cultural redemption."
The Archbishop also reiterated that the Palermo Church will continue to offer its contribution "with creative courage", without retreating in the face of violence.