All cases
Arson attack at church in Lullin amid series of incidents
August 7, 2026, FranceOn 7 August 2026, a prayer book and leaflets were set alight inside Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Lullin, in an act which is believed to have been deliberate. Passers-by discovered the smoke and prevented the fire from spreading. According to the reports, the incident comes amid a series of recent burglaries, thefts, and acts of vandalism affecting Christian places of worship in France.
Columbarium vandalised and cremated ashes scattered at Belgian cemetery
August 7, 2026, BelgiumReported on 7 August 2026, the columbarium at Sy Cemetery in Ferrières was vandalised, with several niches damaged and some urns opened, causing cremated remains to be scattered inside and around the cemetery. The incident caused significant distress in the community; affected families were notified and psychological support was arranged. The municipal authorities announced that a criminal complaint would be filed.
Tabernacle removed and consecrated hosts scattered outside church in Cattolica
August 7, 2026, ItalyOn 7 August 2026, an act of sacrilegious theft and desecration was discovered at the Church of San Giorgio in Conca, belonging to the Parish of Santa Maria di Nazareth in Cattolica. Unknown perpetrators removed the tabernacle and took the consecrated hosts contained inside, which were subsequently found scattered outside the church. The carabinieri opened an investigation into the incident which targeted objects of central religious significance, and deeply affected the Catholic community.
Vandalism at historic Wexford Graveyard
August 7, 2026, IrelandAccording to reports from 7 August, extensive vandalism was discovered at Monachán Graveyard in County Wexford, with 18 gravestones and a large stone cross damaged and a Celtic cross smashed from a wall. The locals are distressed by the incident, which was seen as a "horrifying" attack on the history and culture of the community.
Church in Parada de Ribeira Desecrated
August 7, 2026, SpainOn 7 August 2026, the parish church of San Salvador de Parada de Ribeira in Xinzo de Limia was broken into and desecrated, with the tabernacle forced open and consecrated hosts removed. The incident, which was regarded as a profanation of "extraordinary gravity," caused considerable distress in the parish and led to a penitential rite and purification of the church before worship could resume.
Attempted arson damages entrance to church in Kielce
August 4, 2026, PolandAn unknown person attempted to set fire to the side entrance of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Kielce, Poland during the night of 3 to 4 August, 2026. A burning package was placed under the church doors, partially charring the side entrance, before the fire was discovered and extinguished. Reports describe the incident as a "sad experience" for the whole parish community.
Oviedo Church is Sprayed with Racist and Anticlerical Graffiti
August 4, 2026, SpainOn 4 August 2026, racist and anticlerical graffiti was discovered on the Church of San Francisco de Asís in Oviedo, including the message "Traitor rats, welcome the Moors to the Vatican." The incident caused concern among those responsible for the church and constitutes a clear instance of targeted anti-Catholic sentiment and racist graffiti.
Man targets churches in Hampshire with occult symbols
August 3, 2026, United KingdomAccording to a report from 3 August 2026, a 48-year-old man found guilty of aggravated religious harassment after targeting several churches in the New Forest area of Hampshire, leaving animal remains with occult symbols at or inside places of worship, and in front of places of devotion between February and August 2025. The offences greatly disturbed the church communities.
Church Desecrated Following Series of Vandalism and Verbal Abuse
August 1, 2026, SpainSanta Margarita María de Alacoque Parish in Madrid was burglarised and desecrated after intruders forced open two tabernacles, damaged the church and discarded a relic of the parish's patron saint. The incident followed months of reported vandalism and disruptions, including verbal abuse during mass, affecting the parish community
Church furnishings damaged and hymnals scattered in Waldbrunn Church
August 1, 2026, GermanyOn 1 August 2026, a protestant church in Waldbrunn-Strümpfelbrunn was vandalised by unknown perpetrators. Two people are believed to have entered the church, overturned seat cushions and hymn books, and carved symbols and letters into a wooden pew. Police have opened an investigation and are looking for witnesses.