All cases

Lindenfels Catholic Church closed after repeated vandalism

September 15, 2026, Germany

In September, the Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Lindenfels was the target of repeated acts of vandalism, forcing it to close its doors outside of Mass and other services in order to protect the building. Consequently, the community's access to this place of worship a has been limited.

Crosses broken and Catholic graves targeted at Moselle cemetery

September 15, 2026, France

An unprecedented act of vandalism occurred on the night of 14 to 15 September, where a woman vandalised almost 100 gravestones in Maizières-lès-Metz Cemetery in Moselle. Gravestones were defaced, with countless crosses and crucifixes found broken and tossed onto the surrounding property. Police are investigating whether the gravestones of Catholics were specifically targeted on the basis of religion. The local community, officials, and diocese expressed deep sadness and outrage at what they believed to be a direct attack on the respect due to the dead, a religious site, and communal unity. On 25 September, the Diocese of Metz organised a time of prayer for all the deceased whose graves were desecrated.

Church in Haar is attacked during slew of arson attempts

September 14, 2026, Germany

As reported on 15 September, there have been five serious cases of attempted arson in Munich, where unknown individuals have thrown fireworks into several buildings, including the Church of St. Boniface, in Haar, wherein children were being blessed at the time of the incident. Police are now investigating potential suspects.

Vandals smash statue of Virgin Mary at historic chapel

September 14, 2026, Poland

A report from 15 September described two incidents of vandalism targeting the same historical chapel at the intersection of a public street. The unknown perpetrators smashed and poured paint over a statue of the Virgin Mary, damaging the pedestal, the interior of the nice, and the glass. Local residents and the parish priest were left shocked by the incident, which they described as a clear act of blasphemy.

Man arrested after shouting Islamist slogan outside a Church

September 11, 2026, France

A 35-year old man was arrested following an incident at a church in Moselle where, armed with a knife, he entered the building and shouted "Allah Akbar." The man was sentenced to six months imprisonment with a suspended sentence on 11 September.

Arsonist Destroys Historic Crucifix in Lucka

September 11, 2026, Germany

A historic crucifix was set on fire with the figure of Jesus being completely destroyed in a Lutheran church in Lucka. Many parts of church furnishings were severely damaged, in particular around the sanctuary and including the altar, which was defaced with swastikas and other symbols. The person suspected of setting the fire was identified quickly after the crime occurred and an investigation into the crime is ongoing.

Nine-Year-Old Boy Injured in Alleged Attack at Bus Stop

September 11, 2026, Austria

On 11 September, a nine-year-old boy was allegedly attacked by several children at a bus stop in Höchst after attending summer school. According to his father, the boy was pushed to the ground, punched and kicked, following threats and insults directed at him the previous day because of his Christian faith.

Priest attacked outside of parish church in Prato

September 9, 2026, Italy

On 9 September, a priest of the Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso was threatened and attacked outside the church. According to the report, several non-EU citizens had been staying on the steps of the church, and at first threatened him, then proceeded to physical violence with a chair. The bishop of Prato has responded in condemnation to the "regrettable and serious" and expressed deep concern, underlying the gravity of the incident.

Desecration in Noia

September 7, 2026, Spain

According to a report from 18 September, a Mass of Reparation and Atonement was held in Noia after five unknown perpetrators entered the Church of San Martiño, opened the tabernacle and stole two ciboria containing consecrated hosts. Both the parish priest and the bishop expressed deep pain of the community over the attack on what is considered most sacred to the Catholic faith, yet appealed to respond with fatih, worship, love, and prayer for the perpetrators.

Protestors disrupt Holy Mass during pro-life prayer

September 5, 2026, United Kingdom

On September 5, pro-abortion activists entered Westminster Cathedral during the opening Mass of the annual March for Life and interrupted the religious celebration in front of worshippers. The intrusion, which included holding banners and shouting pro-abortion slogans in front of the church sanctuary, occurred amidst an already hostile atmosphere outside the cathedral, where pro-abortion protesters reportedly heckled participants, shouting anti-Christian slogans, and disrupting the major Catholic pro-life event with many notable members of the church present.