All cases
Basilica of San Siro in Genoa Defaced with Anticlerical and Anarchist Graffiti
May 7, 2026, ItalyThe Basilica of San Siro in Genoa’s historic centre was vandalised with anticlerical and anti-institutional graffiti, including slogans against priests and calls to burn churches.
Two Churches Targeted in Vandalism Involving Burned Pages, Insults and Fire Risk
May 7, 2026, FranceChurches in Druye and Ballan-Miré were vandalised after intruders scattered religious documents, burned pages from a worshippers’ register, and placed lit candles throughout the building, creating a serious fire hazard. Minors are suspected to be responsible for acts.
Suspected Arson at Parish Hall in Tergnier While Children Inside Building
May 6, 2026, FranceA fire broke out at the “Père Jean-Marie Hamel” parish hall in Tergnier, Aisne, on 6 May 2026 while around thirty children were inside attending a religious retreat. The incident is being treated as suspected arson, and two men were taken into police custody as witnesses reported their presence at the scene shortly before the fire.
Arson Investigation Launched After Fires Inside Disused Church in Warrington
May 5, 2026, United KingdomPolice in Cheshire have launched an arson investigation after two fires were discovered inside the disused Church of the Resurrection in Fearnhead, Warrington, on 5 May 2026.
Nun Assaulted and Cross Torn Off in Religious Hate Incident in Bielsk Podlaski
May 5, 2026, PolandA nun was violently attacked at a bus stop in Bielsk Podlaski when a man approached her, insulted her, and forcibly tore a cross from her neck before throwing it to the ground. The suspect fled but was later arrested by police and is under investigation.
Wave of Church Burglaries, Altar Desecration and Tabernacle Profanation Hits South Gironde
May 4, 2026, FranceBetween late April and early May 2026, several churches in South Gironde, France, were targeted in a series of burglaries and acts of vandalism. In the most serious incident, perpetrators opened a tabernacle containing consecrated hosts and desecrated the altar of a church in Villandraut, an act considered particularly grave in the Catholic faith.
Christian Statues Torn from Graves in Saint-Martin-la-Sauveté Cemetery Vandalism
May 4, 2026, FranceDozens of graves were vandalised at the cemetery of Saint-Martin-la-Sauveté in eastern France, where bronze Christian statuettes — including depictions of the Virgin Mary — were stolen or violently torn from tombs.
Statue of Mary Beheaded Close to Lyon
May 3, 2026, FranceA statue of Mary holding the infant Jesus was decapitated in Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, close to Lyon. The heads of both figures were destroyed and found at the base of the monument.
Arson Attack Targets Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Lentigny
May 3, 2026, FranceA fire deliberately set inside the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Lentigny caused an emergency response after papers, newspapers and books were set alight inside the building.
Churchyard Planter Set on Fire While Faithful Gathered to Pray the Rosary
May 2, 2026, ItalyOn 2 May 2026, unknown individuals set fire to a vase outside the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto in Guidonia shortly before the recitation of the Rosary.