All cases

Nativity scene destroyed in Persico Dosimo

January 12, 2025, Italy

On the night of 11 January, unknown perpetrators seriously damaged a nativity scene in the churchyard of the Dosimo parish church. Several figures were smashed to pieces, a gesture that caused great indignation among the local population.

Repeated vandalism of Salò nativity scene

January 9, 2025, Italy

Unknown persons have vandalised the nativity scene set up by the fire brigade for the local community. The vandals not only damaged the nativity scene, but also urinated on the scene and set off a firecracker in the middle of the hay.

Two arson attacks on Valledoria church in 4 days

January 8, 2025, Italy

The Church of Christ the King in Valledoria has been attacked twice in a very short period of time. The first arson attack took place during the celebration of mass on 5 January, and the second only a few days later, on 8 January.

Unknown perpetrators vandalise religious figures

January 7, 2025, Germany

On the afternoon of 7 January, unknown perpetrators broke into the church of St. Francis Hochdahl in Erkhart. A leg of a religious figure, one of the Three Magi, disappeared and the burglars knocked over several other figures. Police are now investigating and looking for suspects.

Fire set to nativity scene in Ingolstadt

January 5, 2025, Germany

A nativity scene was burned and vandalised in the Catholic church of St Pius in Ingolstadt. The parish priest reported that "the stable was thrown over down and one figure was completely burnt".

Figure of the Infant Jesus stolen from nativity scene in Aprilia

January 4, 2025, Italy

On 4 January, a figure of the Infant Jesus disappeared from the nativity scene set up by the Agroverde Neighbourhood Committee in a public park. "A gesture that deeply offends the sense of community and the faith of many people," said the committee and further stated: "It is an act of vandalism that demonstrates a total lack of respect for the traditions, symbols and religious feelings of many people."

Nativity scene in front of Roncoferraro church vandalised

December 31, 2024, Italy

On the night of New Year's Eve, unknown people destroyed the nativity scene on the square of the Roncoferraro church. The vandals tore to pieces almost all of the particular figures depicting the nativity and scattered the fragments in the surrounding garden. This is not the first time that similar episodes have occurred.

Police prevents terrorist attack on Elche Basilica

December 31, 2024, Spain

Spanish police have foiled a terrorist attack just before Christmas. Four suspects aged between 14 and 17 were arrested on 19 December during a raid in the city of Elche. The group is accused of planning an Islamist terrorist attack on a Christian church.

Three suspects arrested after shooting at Istanbul church association

December 30, 2024, Turkey

Three suspects have been arrested following a shooting at the Association of Salvation Churches in Istanbul. On 30 December, three gunmen arriving in a commercial vehicle opened fire at the association's building in the Cekmekoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Arson on previously attacked church in Regnano

December 29, 2024, Italy

On 29 December, the back wall of the parish house in Regnano was set on fire. Only two weeks earlier, the door to the bell tower of the church had also been vandalised and destroyed.