All cases
Man storms altar area and devastates St. Antonius Church in Düsseldorf
April 28, 2026, GermanyA man entered St. Antonius Church in Düsseldorf, forced his way into the altar area and damaged liturgical objects before being detained by police shortly afterwards.
Charges Dropped Against Christian Woman for Holding Sign in "Buffer Zone" Case
April 27, 2026, United KingdomOn 27 April, Glasgow Sheriff Court dismissed criminal charges against a Christian woman, Rose Docherty, who had been arrested for peacefully offering consensual conversation within a designated “buffer zone”, finding that the prosecution had failed to disclose an offence. However, the case may be reopened if prosecutors present further evidence. Docherty was the first person charged under Scotland’s 2024 “buffer zone” law after standing near a Glasgow hospital with a sign reading: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.”
Valenciennes church vandalised with destruction of religious statues and objects
April 26, 2026, FranceThe Saint-Géry church in Valenciennes was targeted in an act of vandalism, with several religious objects and artworks damaged, including a station of the cross and a statue titled Le Silence. The incident follows a previous episode at the same church, and a man was arrested in connection with the latest case.
Tabernacle desecrated and consecrated hosts stolen in Saint-Louis
April 25, 2026, FranceThe Church of Saint John Paul II in Saint-Louis was burglarised and desecrated, with the tabernacle broken into and the consecrated hosts stolen, prompting strong condemnation from local authorities.
Series of Repeated Vandalism Hits Another Church in Freising
April 24, 2026, GermanyThe Lutheran Ascension Church in Freising was targeted in a serious act of vandalism involving damage to the altar and church interior. The incident followed earlier attacks on two other churches in the city, contributing to growing concern about a pattern of repeated targeting of places of worship.
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Zagreb Targeted in Nighttime Vandalism Attack
April 23, 2026, CroatiaThe Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Zagreb was targeted in a nighttime attack in which unidentified individuals threw objects at the building, shattering stained-glass windows and damaging church property. The incident occurred on a day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Statues of Mary and Joseph Smashed in Vandalism Attack
April 21, 2026, FranceNotre-Dame Church in Surgères, France, was targeted in an act of vandalism in which two religious statues were broken and the church organ damaged.
Man charged with assault of priest during Mass at Ennis Cathedral
April 20, 2026, IrelandA man assaulted a Catholic priest during Mass at St Peter and St Paul Cathedral in Ennis, causing facial injuries and damaging personal property. The incident involved physical violence and disruption of worship in front of members of the congregation. The suspect has been charged and appeared before court.
Church façade severely defaced with satanic inscriptions in Trzebinia
April 19, 2026, PolandSatanic graffiti extensively defaced the façade of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Trzebinia, Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Large inscriptions and symbols covering a significant portion of the exterior wall sparked outrage among residents and prompted a police investigation.
Series of Attacks on sacred statues across Frosinone Province
April 18, 2026, ItalyA series of vandalism incidents targeting sacred statues has been reported in the province of Frosinone, Italy, with multiple cases occurring within a few days. On 18 April 2026, statues in Ceccano and Pofi were found decapitated inside public votive niches. Authorities confirm that at least six similar episodes have recently been recorded across the province.