All cases
Four Churches in Spain Targeted with Graffiti and Vandalism
January 3, 2014, SpainFour Catholic churches in Malaga, Spain, were targeted with pro-abortion graffiti and vandalism. Some of the slogans read: “Saca tus rosarios de mis ovarios” (Get your rosaries off my ovaries) and “Maria queria abortar” (Mary wanted to abort) as well as "Iglesia = Dictatura" (Church = dictatorship). Vandals also dropped balloons containing red paint, into a church, which burst and damaged a ceramic alter piece depicting the Virgin Mary.
Nativity Scene in Foligno Targeted by Vandals
January 3, 2014, ItalyThe crib of the Nativity of St. Felicianetto was set on fire. Already several days before, the figure of Baby Jesus had been stolen.
Nativity Scene Vandalised in Hainaut
January 1, 2014, BelgiumA nativity scene set up in front of a church in Belgium was vandalised overnight. A shepherd was dismembered, the figure representing baby Jesus was lying on the ground and Mary and Joseph had be taken away. A fence which had been erected to protect the scene did not deter the vandals.
Member of Parliament Impersonated a Drunk Priest
January 1, 2014, GreeceA member of the Greek Parliament, Vangelis Diamantopoulos, dressed and acted as a drunk priest conducting a burial ceremony for the EU-IMF memorandum at New Year’s carnival in Northern Greece. Archbishop Ieronymos claimed that he was hurt by this behaviour and described the act as foolish.
Crib Scene Destroyed in Badia
December 31, 2013, ItalyA crib scene in the village of Badia was destroyed and heads of several of the figures were severed off.
Graffiti on Church of St. Augustine in Trani
December 30, 2013, ItalyThe front of the Church of St. Augustine in Trani was splattered with paint and the stone lion in the courtyard of the church was spray painted.
Tabernacle Stolen at the Hermitage of Pasico Torre Pacheco
December 30, 2013, SpainThe Hermitage had to close the doors of its church from December 30th, 2013 to January 11th 2014, due to a theft of the tabernacle on the 30th of December.
Nativity Scene in Church in Hungary Vandalised
December 29, 2013, HungaryVandals destroyed figures of the nativity scene from a Lutheran Church located in Szentendre, Hungary, 20 km north of Budapest. In November, a cross was vandalised in the same church.
Series of Anti-Christian Vandalism in North Westfalen
December 28, 2013, GermanyMore than forty acts of vandalism against Christian sites were recorded between September and December around Ibbenbüren, Saerbeck, Hörstel, Hopsten, Mettingen, Tecklenburg and Rheine. Especially large outdoor crosses and statues were targeted. Police think it is likely that the perpetrator is the same in all the cases.
Vandalism of Nursery of Church in Rennes
December 27, 2013, FranceThe nursery of Saint-Germain Rennes was set on fire causing damage to the Church. It was confirmed that the fire was not caused by electric problems.
Nativity Scene Vandalised in Paris
December 27, 2013, FranceThe statues of Mary and Joseph were destroyed in St. Séverin Church nativity scene in Paris.
Nativity Scene in Urbino Set on Fire
December 27, 2013, ItalyA nativity scene which was part of the "streets of cribs of Urbino" was set on fire. The fire caused immediate devastation and there seemed to be multiple ignition points. In addition, the fire destroyed a lamp post and caused pieces of the entrance ceiling to fall down.
Figure of Baby Jesus Destroyed in Ceranova
December 27, 2013, ItalyThe figure of Baby Jesus in the manger which was part of a nativity scene in Ceranova was destroyed. The head and the fingers of one hand were broken off. The pieces of the manger and the figures of Mary and Joseph were carried inside to prevent further vandalism.
Burning Tires in Front of the Church of Misericordia in Reus
December 26, 2013, SpainTires were set on fire in front of the church of Misericordia in Reus, but, before the fire could spread further, neighbors telephoned the fire department and then extinguished the fire themselves, and the damage was contained. The front door of the church was slightly damaged, and the façade was affected by the smoke, but otherwise the sanctuary was unharmed.
Naked Woman on Cologne's Cathedral Main Altar During Christmas Services
December 25, 2013, Germany20-year-old Femen activist Josephine Witt jumped onto the altar of Cologne’s Catholic cathedral during Christmas services on December 25th. Her upper body naked and “I am God“ was written on her chest. Security staff removed her, and Cardinal Meisner continued the liturgy. Many people commented critically, saying that Ms Witt would have had other possibilities of voicing her opposition to the Church.
Graffiti on Faces of Saints in Church in Foggia
December 25, 2013, ItalySatanic shapes and writings such as “Satan lives”, was painted on the faces of the saints and a statue of Mary in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Foggia.
Christmas Eve Eucharist Interrupted by Feminists in Barcelona
December 24, 2013, SpainA radical group of feminists broke through the midnight mass at the Church of San Felix, Sabadell, Barcelona, with shouts, curses and banners in favour of abortion. They stood at the alter and prevented the priest from continuing celebrating the Eucharist.
Nativity Scene Vandalised in Ancona
December 24, 2013, ItalyThe nativity of Guasco in Ancona was damaged by vandals who destroyed some figures and severed the arm of one of the shepherds.
Nativity Scene Destroyed in Ello
December 24, 2013, ItalyVandals destroyed a nativity scene in Ello during the midnight church service. The figures were all knocked down and some decapitated.
Christmas Advertisement Offensive to Catholics
December 24, 2013, CroatiaThe Croatian telecommunications operator Tele2, in its Christmas advertisement, had a black sheep/goat named Gregor acting as a priest or Church official. For the faithful, this was perceived as a mockery of the Church and its priests.