All cases
Vandals Damage Protestant Baroque Church in Gersfeld
January 5, 2026, GermanyOn January 5, vandals entered the Lutheran Baroque church in Gersfeld on 5 January and caused deliberate damage to the building.
Utrecht Evangelist Assaulted; Video Circulates Online
January 4, 2026, NetherlandsA street preacher in Utrecht was assaulted during an evangelising activity over the weekend, according to a report.
Suspected Arson at Neunkirchen Church
January 2, 2026, GermanyOn the morning of 2 January 2026, a fire broke out at the Protestant Christuskirche in the centre of Neunkirchen, Saarland. Due to the significant amount of smoke caused by the fire, it took the fire brigade several hours to ventilate the building. Police are investigating the suspected arson attack.
Vienna Church Repeatedly Targeted by Graffiti Vandalism
December 30, 2025, AustriaSt. Johann Evangelist Church in Vienna was defaced with graffiti on December 30, 2025, including Arabic writing and an Antifa symbol. Police launched an investigation amid political condemnation and reports of repeated targeting of the site.
Gunfire and Explosive Device Damaged Church Entrance
December 28, 2025, ItalyUnknown individuals fired gunshots and detonated an explosive device at the secondary entrance of the San Filippo Neri church in Palermo’s Zen neighborhood.
Arson Attempt Inside German Church on Christmas
December 25, 2025, GermanyUnknown individuals ignited torn pages from prayer books on the church gallery in St. Maria, Haßlach, causing scorch marks and wax damage to the pews below. Thankfully, the fire did not spread, but the church suffered property damage.
Christ Child Figure Found Hanging by the Neck
December 21, 2025, PolandOn 21 December, a figure of the Christ Child was found hanging by the neck in a nativity scene in the market square of Bolesławiec. Surveillance footage showed hooded individuals entering the scene and tying the doll to a rope in the manner of a gallows.
Court Hears Case of Glasgow Grandmother Arrested Again For Sign Offering Conversation
December 19, 2025, United Kingdom75-year-old grandmother and Christian prayer group leader Rose Docherty has been arrested a second time and criminally charged for holding a sign reading “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want” within 200 metres of an abortion facility in Glasgow.
UPDATE: Woman criminally charged for silent prayer
December 17, 2025, United KingdomBritish charitable volunteer Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has been criminally charged in Birmingham under the UK’s new national abortion “buffer zone” law for silently praying near an abortion facility, with her trial scheduled for 29 January 2026. This is the first known prosecution under the Public Order Act 2023, highlighting tensions between public-order regulations and freedom of conscience.
Swastika Carved Into Evangelical Church Facade
December 14, 2025, GermanyPolice opened a criminal investigation after unknown perpetrators etched a Nazi symbol into the wall of a church in Lower Saxony.
Blood Found on Altar in Church Desecration
December 13, 2025, ItalyA desecration of the Church of the Angel in Camaiore involved blood traces on the altar, misuse of sacred objects, and prompted both police investigation and a call for reparation by the Archdiocese of Lucca.
Holy Water Font Desecrated with Urine
December 12, 2025, GermanyA holy water font at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Burladingen was deliberately filled with urine in an act of targeted desecration shocking parishioners and clergy. The parish priest called the act "a slap in the face of a believer."
Five Suspects Arrested in Alleged Islamist Plot Against Bavarian Christmas Market
December 12, 2025, GermanyGerman authorities have detained five men in Bavaria accused of planning a radical Islamist–motivated vehicle attack on a Christmas market. Investigators say the plot was disrupted at an early stage through coordinated action by security services.
Dismissal of Teacher Sparks Debate on Religious Expression in UK Schools
December 9, 2025, United KingdomA UK primary school teacher was suspended in March 2024 and later dismissed after telling a Muslim student that “Britain is still a Christian state,” citing the King as head of the Church of England and describing Islam as a minority religion. The teacher, who had also allegedly suggested the student could attend a nearby Islamic school if they preferred a religious setting, faced both police and safeguarding investigations. Although he was initially banned from working with children, he successfully appealed the decision and is now pursuing legal action against.
Prayer Outside Abortion Clinic Protected by Law, Spanish Court Rules
December 9, 2025, SpainA criminal court in Vitoria, Basque Country, has acquitted 21 pro‑life volunteers accused of harassment for praying peacefully outside an abortion clinic, ruling that they had “done nothing more than exercise their free right of assembly” and behaved in an “exquisitely peaceful manner.” The court found no evidence of intimidating conduct under the penal code’s anti‑harassment provision.
European Commission excludes FAFCE and WYA from Funding
December 8, 2025, InternationalThe European Commission has excluded the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) and the World Youth Alliance (WYA) from EU funding after rejecting multiple project applications, citing alleged violations of equality measures and “EU values.” FAFCE’s president describes the decisions as ideological discrimination, arguing that they penalise organisations that support families, children and human dignity while holding pro-life convictions.
Anti-Christian Graffiti Targets the Basilica of Carmine in Florence
December 8, 2025, ItalyIn Florence, black spray-painted graffiti stating “The only church that enlightens is the one that burns” and featuring the anarchist circled “A” appeared on the construction coverings of the Carmine Basilica.
Suspected Arson at Bologna Church
December 8, 2025, ItalyAuthorities in Bologna investigated a fire at the Santuario in via del Borgo San Pietro, where flames engulfed the hedges surrounding the Catholic Church’s garden, prompting suspicions of arson.
Church Nativity Desecrated and Parishioners Threatened
December 8, 2025, SpainPolice detained a man after he disrupted a Catholic service by removing nativity figures, striking the altar, profaning liturgical garments, shouting in Arabic through the church microphone, and attempting to attack parishioners before being restrained outside.
Priest's Car Set on Fire Weeks after Church Vandalism
December 4, 2025, ItalyAn arson attack destroyed the parish priest’s vehicle in Francofonte, following earlier vandalism against the church grounds.
Left-Wing Extremists Attack Church Over Anti-Abortion Stance
December 3, 2025, GermanyRadical activists smashed windows and spray-painted “218 abtreiben” on the Free Evangelical Church Kassel-Ost, citing its support for unborn life as the motive.
Church Nativity Figures Vandalised
December 3, 2025, SpainActs of vandalism targeted Christmas decorations at Villar de Olalla, damaging religious symbols and prompting a municipal appeal for information.
Arson Attack at Fonsorbes Church
December 3, 2025, FranceTwo altar cloths were set on fire inside Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Fonsorbes, Occitania, with straw from the Christmas nativity scene reportedly moved to fuel the flames.
Termini Chapel Closed After Reported Altar Desecration
December 2, 2025, ItalyThe Chapel at Termini Station in Rome was closed after a man was reported to have urinated on the altar. The closure is deprived the community of access.
Palestine Flags Placed on Vienna’s Votive Church Without Approval
November 29, 2025, AustriaAnti-Israel demonstrators scaled the towers of Vienna's Votive Church and placed Palestinian flags on the spire. The Archdiocese condemned the incident, hired a crew to remove the flags, and announced that they may take legal action.
Church Christmas Market Cancelled Due to Threats
November 28, 2025, GermanyThe St. Salvatoris Parish in Geesthacht (Schleswig-Holstein) had to cancel the annual Christmas market after receiving a threatening letter. Police are investigating the threats.
Pro-Palestinian Protest Disrupted Brussels Christmas Market Opening
November 28, 2025, BelgiumThe launch of Brussels’ Winter Wonders Christmas market was interrupted when demonstrators set off smoke bombs, waved Palestinian flags, and unsettled families.
Arson Attack at Laindon Church
November 27, 2025, United KingdomAuthorities investigated a deliberate fire at a Laindon church previously subjected to repeated racist vandalism.
Two Attempted Arson Attacks at St Giles Church
November 27, 2025, United KingdomThe Anglican and Methodist Church of St Giles was twice targeted by arson when rubbish was set on fire at its entrances—causing damage to the church door and prompting police appeals for information.
Altar Statues Deliberately Damaged
November 26, 2025, ItalyAuthorities detained a 55-year-old man in Parabiago after he entered a parish church and toppled statues on the altar.
Amiens Christmas Market Nativity Scene Vandalised
November 26, 2025, FranceThe nativity scene at the Christmas market in Amiens was vandalised during the night of 25-26 November 2025: several statuettes — including the figure of the infant Jesus — were broken, leading to public indignation and closure of the display.
Desecration of Bodies and Tombs at Catholic Cemetery in Alhos Vedros
November 26, 2025, PortugalTen bodies were desecrated after mausoleums were broken into at a Catholic cemetery in Portugal. While cemetery vandalism had occurred before, the parish priest said that this incident was of an unprecedented scale. The local bishop condemned the act as a “sacrilegious gesture”.
Cathedral Prayer Book Desecrated with Insults and Blasphemies
November 25, 2025, ItalyA prayer book near the relics of Blessed Maria Raffaella Cimatti in Alatri was defaced with insults and blasphemies.
Christian Lecturer Cancelled due to Student Protests
November 25, 2025, GermanyA scheduled lecture by the habilitated philosopher Sebastian Ostritsch at Hochschule für Philosophie München was cancelled two days before the event. Student protests and pressure on university management resulted in cancelling the planned discussion of classical proofs for God’s existence.
Street Preacher Plans Court Case Over Repeated Arrests
November 24, 2025, United KingdomShaun O’Sullivan, a UK Christian preacher, arrested 16 times and acquitted each time, now plans to challenge the repeated prosecutions in court as he believes he is being targeted for proclaiming the gospel.
Chapel Vandalized with Racist Graffiti and Symbols
November 22, 2025, ItalyMasked vandals defaced the Santa Lucia chapel in Pianella with racist and vulgar graffiti, prompting police investigation and municipal condemnation.
Vallecas Attacker Who Stabbed Three Said His Mission Was to Kill Christians
November 22, 2025, SpainAn 18-year-old in Vallecas stabbed three people and reportedly told his mother his mission was to kill Christians, leading authorities to investigate possible terrorism.
Spanish Bishop Faces Investigation Over Remarks on Homosexuality
November 20, 2025, SpainMadrid’s Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has launched a preliminary investigation into José Ignacio Munilla, Bishop of Orihuela-Alicante, following remarks he made criticising a proposed ban on so-called “conversion therapy.” The bishop warned that the draft legislation could jeopardise the freedom of pastoral care offered to individuals with homosexual inclinations, in line with Catholic teaching. His statements, made during a Radio María broadcast, were reported as “hate speech” by a local NGO. Bishop Munilla has firmly rejected the accusation, stating that he merely criticised a government proposal and denounced the investigation as an attempt to intimidate the Church.
Tabernacle Stolen and Statue of Mary Damaged
November 19, 2025, SpainThieves broke into the Los Urrutias church in Cartagena, stole the tabernacle, and damaged the statue of the Virgin del Carmen, which they left in the streets.
Cross of Morkaiku in Elgoibar Torn Down
November 18, 2025, SpainOn the night of 18 November 2025, unknown individuals demolished the Cross of Morkaiku in Elgoibar, Gipuzkoa—an act now under police investigation. The cross, originally erected during Spain’s Franco regime, had sparked ongoing local tensions over the presence of religious symbols linked to the dictatorship, despite its historical recontextualisation.
Sacristan Assaulted Outside Paris’s Église de la Madeleine
November 18, 2025, FranceA parish employee was violently attacked after enforcing security rules near the historic church.
Bomb Threat Targets Catholic Church During Family Service
November 16, 2025, GermanyPolice sealed off the Church of the Assumption of Mary in Aichach after a bomb threat disrupted a mass attended by hundreds.
Vandals Desecrate a Church Crucifix and Welcome Sign
November 16, 2025, ItalyA church in Moscufo was targeted by vandals who broke a welcoming sign and attached a condom to a crucifix. Municipal administrators condemned the act.
Protesters Occupy Catholic Church
November 15, 2025, GermanyAround 50 pro-abortion protesters entered St. Mary’s Church in Flensburg, displaying banners and refusing to leave until police intervened. The archdiocese of Hamburg underlined that the church is a "holy place for Catholics" and should not "be abused for political rallies and disrespect".
Neo-Fascist Graffiti on Church Condemned as “National and Religious Blasphemy”
November 15, 2025, United KingdomSwastika and Russian “Z” symbols were graffitied on Our Lady of Lourdes church in Swansea, prompting police investigation and condemnation from civic and religious leaders.
Historic Crucifix Defaced With Political Graffiti
November 12, 2025, GermanyA 200-year-old crucifix in a Protestant church in Homberg/Ohm was defaced with anti-Israel slogans and political graffiti.
Anti-Christian Graffiti Written on Door of Lourdes Church
November 11, 2025, FrancePolice opened an investigation after anti-Catholic insults, including “Filthy race of Jesus Christ”, were discovered on the entrance of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Lourdes.
Minors Vandalise Church Grounds
November 10, 2025, ItalyThe parish of Viatosto was repeatedly targeted by vandals: open taps, glued candles, and a burnt lighter were among the troubling signs discovered by the priest.
Suspected Arson Targets Historic Christian Oratory in Taggia
November 9, 2025, ItalyA fire damaged the entrance of the Oratory of Saints Sebastiano and Fabiano in Taggia. Authorities are investigating suspected arson.
Repeated Vandalism Targets Parish and Priest
November 7, 2025, ItalyEggs hurled at the parish house and sabotage of the priest’s car marked a renewed wave of anti-Christian hostility in the Treviso community.
Two Religious Statues Smashed
November 6, 2025, FranceTwo religious statues were deliberately broken inside the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption in Montcenis, in what authorities are treating as an act of anti-Christian vandalism.
Second Vandalism Incident at Melsungen Church in Two Months
November 6, 2025, GermanyUnknown offenders damaged the entrance and several gravestones at the city church in Melsungen, prompting police investigation.
Offensive Graffiti Sprayed on Wales Church
November 5, 2025, United KingdomSt Mary’s Church in Cardigan was targeted in an attack involving graffiti and forced entry, prompting a police investigation.
Parish Grounds and Madonna Grotto Vandalised
November 4, 2025, ItalyA stone grotto was demolished, statues of the Madonna and Padre Pio were desecrated, and church gardens were destroyed in a targeted act of vandalism at the Church of San Francesco in Francofonte.
Pastor Receives Police Warning Over Bible Verse in the United Kingdom
November 4, 2025, United KingdomBishop Mick received a warning from a police officer that the words on the back of his motorhome could get him into trouble if someone filed a complaint
Church in Loiret vandalised during Halloween
October 31, 2025, FranceA church in Ouzouer-sous-Bellegarde, Loiret, was vandalised during the night of Halloween, when its door was forced open and the interior damaged, in an incident suggesting deliberate intent
Bible Set on Fire During Halloween Night
October 31, 2025, ItalyA lectionary was set on fire and the sanctuary vandalised in a Halloween-night attack on a Catholic church in northern Italy.
Päivi Räsänen Faces Supreme Court in "Bible Tweet" Case
October 30, 2025, FinlandIn October 2025, the Finnish Supreme Court heard the case of Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen, who is facing prosecution for alleged “hate speech” after tweeting a Bible verse and questioning how the Lutheran Church could reconcile its support for Helsinki Pride with biblical teaching. Despite two unanimous acquittals, the state prosecutor has pursued a further appeal, extending the case into its seventh year and seeking financial penalties and the removal of her published statements.
Syrian Christian Threatened and Injured in Dutch Reception Center
October 29, 2025, NetherlandsIn October 2025, a Syrian Christian asylum seeker was reportedly threatened, injured, and intimidated by Muslim residents at the asylum seekers’ centre (AZC) in Goes, Netherlands. The incident seems to be part of a broader rise in anti-Christian hostility reported in Dutch asylum facilities.
French Church Desecrated with Excrement
October 26, 2025, FrancePolice launched an investigation after excrement and soiled clothing were discovered inside a church in Châtellerault, part of a broader pattern affecting local Christian sites.
Man Assaulted Nun and Kicked Church Door
October 26, 2025, FranceA man entered the Saint-Pierre Abbey in Moissac, assaulted a nun, threatened a witness, and kicked the church door. A man who published a video of the incident reported receiving threats.
Vandalism Prompts Temporary Closure of Church
October 22, 2025, GermanyRepeated acts of vandalism at Heilig Kreuz Church in Hildesheim led to its closure outside of service hours.
Church Façade Defaced with Swastikas and Insults
October 20, 2025, ItalySwastikas and homophobic slurs were spray-painted on the walls of the San Grato church in Cerrione, prompting a police investigation. Local officials spoke of a deeply troubling act of intolerance.
Marian Shrine Desecrated by Satanic Vandalism
October 19, 2025, PolandA roadside chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary was desecrated with satanic graffiti and swastikas in Wólka Wybraniecka. The statue was also destroyed.
Christian Parents Take Sweden to European Court of Human Rights Over Child Removal
October 15, 2025, SwedenA Christian couple in Sweden has taken their case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) after their two eldest daughters were removed by social services and kept apart from the family for nearly three years. The parents argue that their regular church attendance and faith-based parenting decisions led authorities to label them as “religious extremists,” raising serious concerns about religious discrimination and state interference with family life.
Religious Statues Beheaded in Biguglia
October 14, 2025, FranceIn mid-October 2025, three sacred statues were deliberately destroyed in Biguglia, Haute-Corse, prompting a strong reaction from the local community.
Methodist Church Vandalised Twice, Christian Youth Services Relocated
October 13, 2025, United KingdomThe interior of the Methodist church in Birkenhead was vandalised during two break-ins, resulting in extensive damage to church property. Fire extinguishers were maliciously discharged, and various items were intentionally destroyed, prompting a police investigation and the temporary relocation of youth activities.
Man Desecrates St. Peter’s Basilica by Urinating on Altar
October 10, 2025, ItalyA man entered St. Peter’s Basilica and urinated on the altar of Confession in front of hundreds of tourists and worshippers, marking the third act of desecration at the site in two years. According to some news reports, the incident happened during the celebration of mass.
Jesuit Church in Straubing Vandalised
October 10, 2025, GermanyUnknown individuals forcibly entered the Jesuit Church in Straubing, Germany, overturned pews and damaged interior grilles.
Church in Bromyard Cuts Hours After Vandalism and Disorder
October 10, 2025, United KingdomIncidents of vandalism and disruptive behavior forced St Peter’s Church in Bromyard to close early.
Arson Attack on Evangelical Church in Frenkendorf
October 9, 2025, SwitzerlandA 36-year-old Swiss man was arrested after allegedly setting fire to the Evangelical Reformed Church of St. Margaretha in Frenkendorf, Switzerland, damaging pews and interior structures.
Church in Aldingen Defiled After Failed Burglary Attempt
October 5, 2025, GermanyAfter breaking into a Protestant church in Aldingen, Germany, unknown individuals urinated in the sanctuary and caused property damage when no valuables were found.
Viennese Church Evacuated During Mass after Bomb Scare
October 4, 2025, AustriaTwo fake explosive devices triggered the evacuation of Vienna’s Karlskirche during a Catholic mass being held before the annual March for Life, raising concerns of targeted intimidation.
Man Arrested After Spitting on Christ Image in Fuengirola Church
October 2, 2025, SpainA 31-year-old man was arrested for spitting on a crucifix and attempting to damage the altar inside the Church of San José in Fuengirola, Spain, in an incident investigated as a hate crime and offense against religious sentiment.
Church in Neustadt/Wied Vandalised
October 1, 2025, GermanyUnkown individuals entered the Church of St. Margarita and caused extensive damage inside. The police issued a statement seeking for witnesses.
Vandalism of Catholic Churches in Munich with White Paint Graffiti
September 29, 2025, GermanyIn the night between 28 and 29 September 2025, several Catholic church buildings in Munich were vandalised with white paint graffiti, including slogans such as “God is dead”.
Vandalism Reported at Preston Wynne Church
September 27, 2025, United KingdomPolice investigated vandalism at a rural Herefordshire church after furniture was displaced and fire extinguishers were emptied.
Vandalism at Burneside’s St Oswald’s Church
September 26, 2025, United KingdomVandalism at St Oswald’s Church in Burneside, Kendal left facilities damaged, hymn books scattered, and a lychgate broken.
RTVE Issues Apology After Describing Evangelicals as “Dangerous”
September 22, 2025, SpainSpain’s public broadcaster RTVE issued a formal apology after a television segment described the growth of Evangelical churches in the country as “dangerous,” attracting significant criticism. The broadcaster acknowledged errors in its coverage and sought to address complaints from religious organisations and viewers.
Christian Schools in Slovakia at Risk after School Funding Reform
September 19, 2025, SlovakiaThe Slovak government has introduced a proposal to reform state subsidies for private and church schools. Under the new policy, full funding would be limited to schools that meet specific public-service criteria, including enrolling at least 70% of students from local school districts, refraining from charging tuition, and signing contracts as public education providers. Christian leaders and private school associations have raised concerns that the reform could undermine parental rights and threaten the sustainability of faith-based education.
Death Threat Forced Evangelical Church in Kempten to Cancel Public Worship
September 14, 2025, GermanyFollowing a death threat on TikTok, the Tabernacle Church in Kempten moved its worship indoors, citing safety concerns and growing anti-Christian sentiment.
Repeated Damage Forces Saint-Jean Church to Close
September 11, 2025, FranceOn 11 September 2025 a group of young people entered the Église Saint-Jean in Châteaudun and emptied its fire extinguishers, causing extensive damage and prompting the managing association and the town to close the church after earlier intrusions and thefts.
Iraqi Christian Killed in Lyon While Livestreaming Faith
September 10, 2025, FranceA disabled Iraqi Christian who fled ISIS persecution, was fatally stabbed in Lyon while livestreaming his religious testimony on TikTok, prompting outrage and calls for justice amid rising anti-Christian violence in France.
Religious statue beheaded in Cathedral
August 31, 2025, GermanyIn the Trier Cathedral, a renaissance apostle statue was beheaded and its head stolen. The incident prompting an investigation and concern over preservation of religious heritage.
Church in Germany Vandalised Twice in 24 Hours.
August 30, 2025, GermanyUnidentified vandals flooded the basement and defaced the entrance of Martini Church in Siegen on two consecutive nights, prompting a police investigation.
Excrements Smeared on Church Wall
August 24, 2025, ItalyThe historic Sant’Antonio al Seggio church in Aversa was vandalised with human excrement near its entrance, prompting public outrage and calls for stronger protection of churches.
Arson Attack at Notre-Dame Church in Saint-Dizier
August 20, 2025, FranceA 20-year-old man has been arrested for attempting to start fires inside Notre-Dame church in Saint-Dizier. Thankfully, the organist was able to extinguish the fires before they could spread further. This is the fourth incident at the church in the last two years, raising safety concerns among the local community.
Churches in Carini Closed Amid Surge in Theft and Vandalism
August 18, 2025, ItalyDue to escalating thefts and vandalism, the archpriest of Carini has decided to close all churches when no religious services are scheduled, sparking concern over the loss of sacred community spaces.
Church in Granada vandalised and set on fire
August 17, 2025, SpainOn 17 August 2025, a 21-year-old man broke into the Church of Santiago Apóstol in El Pozuelo, Albuñol (Granada), smashing a stained glass window with a hammer. He then proceeded to destroy religious artefacts and set fire to items belonging to the church before locking himself inside.
Two Churches Attacked by Knife-Wielding Man, Disrupting Mass
August 16, 2025, FranceA suspected drug addict armed with a Swiss Army knife desecrated two churches near Paris, terrifying worshippers and resisting arrest.
Christian Bakery Condemned After Refusing to Bake Same-Sex Wedding Cake
August 13, 2025, SwedenSweden’s Equality Ombudsman (DO) has ruled against a small Christian bakery in Stockholm who had declined to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in 2023. The decision, published on August 13, 2025, acknowledges that the bakery’s refusal was based on religious conviction and falls under the protection of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Nevertheless, the authority concluded that the refusal constituted unlawful discrimination.
Church in Spain Vandalised Ahead of Patron Saint Festivities
August 11, 2025, SpainJust days before the Virgen del Carmen festivities in Rute, the parish of Santa Catalina was vandalised with black paint being spilled across its main entrance.
Crucifix Ban in Bavarian School Raises Concerns Over Religious Freedom
August 8, 2025, GermanyA recent ruling by the Bavarian Administrative Court has ordered the removal of a crucifix from a state secondary school, finding that its display violates students’ negative freedom of religion and constitutes unlawful state endorsement of Christianity. The judgment, however, diverges from European Court of Human Rights case law (Lautsi v. Italy) and has raised concerns about the narrowing of religious expression in public institutions and the broader implications for religious freedom and state neutrality in education.
Catholic Hospital’s Right to Uphold Its Institutional Religious Freedom
August 8, 2025, GermanyThe Labour Court of Hamm has affirmed the right of a Catholic hospital in Germany to prohibit a senior gynaecologist from performing procedures that go against its religious mission, both within the hospital and in his private practice.
Priest attacked in Hubová
July 29, 2025, SlovakiaOn July 29, a Catholic priest was attacked in his house. According to the mayor of Hubová, the attacker appeared at the parish house and assaulted the priest in the entrance hall with an electric cable. The priest sustained minor injuries to his face and legs, but managed to push the man outside, lock the door behind him and alert the police.
Vandalism of Wooden Statue
July 29, 2025, GermanyOn July 29, unknown individuals entered the church, damaged a wooden statue as well as the interior plaster, and then fled without being identified. The damage is estimated at several hundred euros. The motives for the act are still under investigation.
Anti-Christian slogan and satanic symbols on Church in Pesaro
July 27, 2025, ItalyDuring the weekend of July 27, the facade of the Maddalena Church of Pesaro was defaced with the phrase “Clean churches, silent people,” along with a pentagram, which is commonly used as Satanic symbol, and black paint drawings resembling foetuses.
Vandalism of Catholic Academy and Church ahead of Award to Bishop Barron
July 27, 2025, GermanyIn the days leading up to the Josef‑Pieper Prize ceremony in Münster, vandals sprayed slogans on the Franz‑Hitze‑Haus academy and local church and defaced several Christian statues with red paint. State security has since launched an investigation.
Armed Robbery Attempted During Mass
July 27, 2025, ItalyA masked gunman stormed into the chapel of the Dominican Sisters' institute in Sant'Anastasia, near Naples, during Mass. He attempted to rob the congregation and fired a blank shot into the air.
Pro‑Palestinian Protesters Disrupt Mass at La Madeleine in Paris
July 26, 2025, FranceOn the evening of July 26, 2025, pro‑Palestinian activists entered La Madeleine church in Paris during Mass, shouting slogans about the conflict in Gaza, thus interrupting the liturgy. The rector of the church denounced the demonstration as a violation of sacred ritual, stating he intended to press charges.