All cases
Pastor’s Home in Cottbus Targeted in Political Vandalism Attack
April 17, 2026, GermanyThe residence of a local lutheran pastor in Cottbus was deliberately targeted in a vandalism attack with a suspected right-extremist background. Perpetrators allegedly broke into the residential building, rioted in the staircase, kicked an apartment door and left stickers with right-wing symbols and inscriptions on the mailbox of the pastor, who is known for his political left-wing activism.
Cemeteries in Mayenne and Brittany vandalised in series of thefts of religious statues
April 16, 2026, FranceSince early April 2026, multiple cemeteries across Mayenne, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan have been targeted in a series of thefts and acts of vandalism in which bronze statuettes of the Virgin Mary were removed from graves.
Suspected Arson at Arnsberg’s Church of Our Lady Amid Rising Vandalism Incidents
April 14, 2026, GermanyPolice in Arnsberg are investigating a suspected case of arson after burn marks were discovered inside the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche). Emergency services were alerted on Tuesday evening when smoke was noticed inside the building. The incident comes amid a growing number of vandalism and damage cases reported at the same church.
Cross of Aneto summit deliberately cut down and removed in act of vandalism
April 14, 2026, SpainThe historic cross that stood at the 3,404-metre summit of Aneto has been cut down and thrown from the mountain in a deliberate act of vandalism. Spain’s Guardia Civil has opened an investigation, with early indications pointing to the use of a power tool to sever the structure at its base.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Dampierre-les-Bois
April 13, 2026, FranceA burglary accompanied by extensive damage targeted the church of Dampierre-les-Bois during the night of 13–14 April 2026. Among the items stolen was a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The parish priest described the act as “More than a simple theft, it’s desecration!”, expressing deep shock at what he characterised as an attack on the sacred.
Sculpture of Christ vandalised in Seine-et-Marne
April 12, 2026, FranceA sculpture of Christ located in front of the church of Saint-Pathus was vandalised between the evening of 12 April and the morning of 13 April. The damage was described as deliberate, and French gendarmerie have opened an investigation to identify the perpetrator.
Vandalism at Luther Church in Pirmasens: Multiple Windows Destroyed
April 12, 2026, GermanyBetween 12 and 15 April 2026, several windows of the Luther Church in Pirmasens were destroyed in an act of vandalism. Multiple church windows were damaged and several glass panels were destroyed.
Man Violently Assaults Christian Woman After Asking Her Religion
April 11, 2026, SpainA 19-year-old man was arrested in Barcelona after allegedly assaulting a woman while also insulting her as “Christian whore”. The attack took place in the early hours near La Rambla after the suspect asked the victim about her religion.
Statue of Padre Pio Decapitated Inside San Benedetto Abbey in Frosinone
April 10, 2026, ItalyA statue of Padre Pio was found decapitated inside the Abbey Church of San Benedetto in Frosinone. Police confirmed the damage after responding to a report and have launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
Villigen Church and Cemetery Grounds Face Repeated Vandalism and Property Damage
April 9, 2026, SwitzerlandAuthorities in Villigen report an increase in vandalism and disrespectful behaviour on church and cemetery grounds in Rein. The municipality has called on the public to act responsibly and report any further incidents.