All cases
Hate Incident Against Cardinal on Question of Abortion in Madrid
February 2, 2014, SpainWhen Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, Archbishop of Madrid and President of the Spanish bishops’ conference, was walking from his vehicle to enter the parish of Santos Justo y Pastor, on Palma street, Madrid, five Femen activists attacked him. With stained red underwear and naked chests they shouted “Abortion is sacred”. The Cardinal, escorted by priests managed to enter the parish but the shouting continued outside as they celebrated the Eucharist.
Mass in Catholic Cathedral in Stockholm Interrupted by Femen
January 30, 2014, SwedenThree Femen activists burst into the Catholic Cathedral of Stockholm, during Mass, just as the attendants were singing Salve Regina. The activists were bare-breasted and one had a sign reading: “Catholic Church out of my body” and written on her chest in Spanish, “Abortion is sacred.” Church staff managed to bring them under control. The Feminists told the press that they are not done with the Catholic Church and will continue their attacks.
Church Vandalised for the Third Time in January
January 29, 2014, FranceThe church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Montceau-les-Mines, France, was vandalised for the third time this month. Dozens of candles were broken and the crib was taken. Clay pots and trees and other items were broken and crushed.
Desecration and Vandalism of Church in Charleville-Mézières
January 29, 2014, FranceDozens of candles were burned and destroyed, three chairs were broken and urine left by vandals in the church of Saint-Remi in Charleville-Mézières. Cans of beer were also left on the floor, curses were written on the guestbook. Obscene drawings were scribbled into the book of prayers.
Serious Desecration of Church in Baden-Württemberg
January 27, 2014, GermanyOn the night of January 27th, a unknown perpetrator broke into the Catholic church, Saint Georges which is located in a district of the city of Freiburg in Breisgau. Using a hammer the perpetrator vandalised the church causing damaged which estimates more than 12,000 euro. The tabernacle was also vandalised and the chalice and consecrated hosts stolen.
Invaluable Relic of Pope John Paul II Stolen from Chapel in the Region of Abruzzo
January 26, 2014, ItalyThieves broke into the church of San Pietro della lenca in the Abruzzo region breaking the protective iron bars and forcing their way in through a window. They left the collection box but took a crucifix and invaluable relic which contains a piece of gauze once soaked in the blood of the late Pope John Paul II.
Chapel Vandalised in Schlierbach, Alsace
January 24, 2014, FranceVandals attacked the Chapel of Our Lady of the Valley of Tears in Schlierbach and damaged the polygonal roof of the small sanctuary. They ripped off and stole copper plates and other pieces of metal.
Church in Haute-Saône Targeted by Vandalism
January 17, 2014, FranceThe Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Haute-Saône, was damaged by vandals who broke a painted window into thousands of pieces. They also damaged the inside of the chapel.
Vandalism at Church of St. Francis in Prato
January 17, 2014, ItalyVandals destroyed a marble font in the courtyard and targeted the Cathedral, where they tried to destroy the century pulpit which is located to the left of the main altar as well as the church of San Pier Fiorelli where a statue depicting St. Joseph was destroyed.
Church in Historic District of Prato in Tuscany Vandalised
January 17, 2014, ItalyA stranger entered the San Pietro church in Prato, Tuscany, and broke a basin and tried unsuccessfully to break another one before fleeing.