All cases

Church vandalised and statue destroyed in Rennes Basilica

January 12, 2025, France

Unknown perpetrators have destroyed a statue of Mary in the Saint-Aubin Basilica in Rennes. Attacks on religious symbols are a growing concern in the region.

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.

Catholic teacher fired for upholding traditional Christian values

January 8, 2025, Austria

In Austria, a Catholic teacher has been banned from teaching for two years after being sacked for defending traditional moral values at public demonstrations. The teacher was also ordered to pay €24,000 in legal costs.

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.

Priest receives letter threatening parishioners

January 6, 2025, Italy

In early January, the priest of the San Giovanni Battista parish in Siniscola received a letter containing threats against two of his parishioners. The case is now being investigated by the police.

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.