All cases

Statue of the Virgin of Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church destroyed

January 8, 2022, France

In the Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church in Strasbourg, the statue of the Virgin was vandalised on the 8th of January. The statue of the Virgin was found destroyed on the ground with its face damaged. A complaint was filed with the police. The parish priest of the church received the news and commented: "It was a parishioner who alerted me. He found the statue of the Virgin demolished, next to its base. He immediately called. I think it was intentional: the way it was positioned, I don't see how the statue could have fallen down by itself. Father Uberall has already announced his intention to file a complaint."

Couple Vandalised Nativity Scene and Cut Off Mary's Hands

January 7, 2022, Poland

A couple of 20-year-olds vandalised a Christmas nativity scene in Jasień on the 7. January. The perpetrators damaged the figures in the nativity scene, including cutting off the hands of Mary. They also stole the crosier. They have been charged with "destruction of property", theft and offending religious feelings. They could face up to 5 years in jail, according to polish authorities.

Figure of Baby Jesus Destroyed in Diest

January 7, 2022, Belgium

On the 7. January, the nativity scene on display at the historic Church of St. Suplice in Diest was the victim of vandalism. Unknown perpetrators destroyed the figure of baby Jesus by tearing off his head, one arm and one leg.

Painting of Jesus Broken in Attempted Theft from Sint-Truiden Church

January 7, 2022, Belgium

Thieves attempted to steal the triptych with pictures of Jesus, that was hanging at the front at Saint Martin's church in Sint-Truiden. The incident was recorded on January 7th but happened several weeks earlier. The triptych is 40 to 50 kilos so once it was detached, the weight became too much for the thieves and the picture fell, broken beyond repair. Although it was not stolen, the image was destroyed.

UPDATE: Catholic Nurse Wins Discrimination and Harassment Case

January 5, 2022, United Kingdom

Mary Onuoha was constructively dismissed in 2020 from the Croydon NHS Trust Hospital in London for wearing a golden cross necklace. She now has won the case against her unfair dismissal for discrimination and harassment, with the help of the Christian Legal Center, as it was communicated on 5. January. The Hospital had said her necklace was "too visible" and posed a ‘risk of injury or infection’, but the ruling found out that other medical staff wore jewellery, religious attire and badges, and that this was "widely tolerated". The ruling declared the dismissal of Mrs Onuoha discriminatory and arbitrary, and recognized her right to religious freedom, such as wearing a cross necklace.

Three Statues Defaced and Basilica Vandalised by a Man in Saint-Denis

January 5, 2022, France

A man came to the basilica of Saint-Denis and used an iron bar to damage three statues on the 5th of January. The rector of the cathedral-basilica said he had filed a complaint on the same day and the vandal was quickly arrested. The 30-year-old man caused several material damages. At first, the man came to the Basilica and was refused access to a space behind the altar, prohibited to the public. He returned a little later, armed with an iron bar, with which he attacked the display cases in which religious objects (crucifixes, statuettes and other trinkets) were exhibited. Then, the man threw three plaster statues to the ground.

Vandals Tagged Two Churches in Arona

January 4, 2022, Italy

On the days prior to the 4th of January, there was a surge of vandalism in Arona. Unknown vandals damaged the main door of the San Rocco Church and the Sacro Cuore Church with graffiti. They painted crosses on the doors. Apart from that, vandals also defaced a sign of a high school.

43,000 Signatures Against the Removal of a Catholic Statue in Les Sables d'Olonne

January 3, 2022, France

Since the decision by the Administrative Court of Nantes to remove the statue of Saint Michel in the town of Les Sables d'Olonne, two online petitions collected over 43,000 signatures against it removal. The statue is on the front of the Saint Michel church and the court wanted it removed withing six months as the said in violated a 1905 law on secularism. The statue has been there for years and the town was determined to not let it go.

Unknown Vandals destroy Statue of Christ

January 1, 2022, France

On the 1st of January, the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Saint-Porchaire Church, was thrown to the ground and destroyed, according to a witness. An investigation has been opened by the police and two men might have been the perpetrators. There are no suspects for the time being and a complaint has been filed.

Statue of Baby Jesus Vandalised in the Netherlands

January 1, 2022, Netherlands

The statue of baby Jesus in the village of Heesh has been victimized by vandalism between Christmas and New Year. According to the report, these attacks on the nativity scene are very common. This time, the head of the statue of Jesus was broken into four pieces, and the cot had a big hole in it. Peter van Moorselaar of De Drie Leliën, who is in charge of taking care of the nativity scene has also shared the crime. He mentioned how the head of the baby Jesus looked as "if vandals had played soccer with it." Even though there were concerns over the price of the damages, Joke Franken and his daughter have restored the statue of baby Jesus.

Theft of Figures from Nativity Scene in Enzesfel

December 31, 2021, Austria

A bold theft of three kings and some sheep was carried out on on New Years Eve from the "Grödner nativity scene" in the Enzesfeld parish church by a unidentified man. Once video surveillance was viewed, the police saw the theft occur but the absence of the figures was only noticed by pastor Pastor Krzysztof Szczesny on January 7th. The 140 year old scene which is put up every year has had to be dismantled for fear of further thefts.

Statue of Virgin Mary Defaced in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen

December 21, 2021, France

On December 21, a small statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus was defaced with spray paint. Located in the Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen, Mary was depicted to be vanquishing Satan with her foot on a serpent. This most likely was the cause for the act.

Nativiy Scene Vandalised in Fiumicino

December 19, 2021, Italy

As it was reported on the 19. December, the parish priest and the faithful of the church of Santa Maria Porto della Salute in Fiumicino found some Nativity scene figures destroyed. The life-size statues made of plaster and fibreglass of a shepherd and a donkey were thrown to the ground. The former had both hands cut off and the donkey had a broken ear. The other statues did not receive damage, as they were fixed to the structure.

Giant Straw Goat Burned by an Arsonist

December 17, 2021, Sweden

A giant straw goat, which has become an annual highlight in the Swedish city of Gavle, has been burned by an arsonist. A man, in his 40s, was arrested at the scene after the structure was set on fire, in the early hours of the 17th of December. Every Christmas since 1966, the Gavlebocken (Gavle goat) has been put up in the city's central Castle Square, but it has become a usual target for arsonists and vandals. The Gavlebocken annually draws visitors to Gavle, which is built up the first Sunday of Christian Advent. A big concert accompanied the goat's inauguration at the end of November.

UK Report: More than 4,000 crimes committed at churches in One Year

November 22, 2021, United Kingdom

According to the Countryside Alliance, an organisation that has been reporting on crimes committed at churches across the UK, during a period of 12 months from 2020 to 2021, there have been over 4,000 crimes committed at churches and religious premises. The figures were gathered from 40 of the country's 45 police forces, which revealed there were 4,169 incidents of theft, vandalism, physical assault or burglary across the UK during one year, despite the eight months of lockdown. During the last 4 years, the organisation has documented 30,169 crimes.

Public School Votes to Remove the Life-Size Wooden Nativity Scene

November 8, 2021, Spain

In October, the teaching staff of the Latiorro Primary School in Laudio, voted in favour of removing the life-size wooden Nativity Scene figures, which have been placed outside the center for more than 25 years. The Religion Students built the figures themselves and the decision has caused much controversy among the community.

Anti-Christian Graffiti on Statue of Pope John Paul II in Lwówek Śląski

November 1, 2021, Poland

The monument to John Paul II, the Polish Pope, was painted with multiple degrading symbols on November 11th. The statue, which is located in Lwówek Śląski, had it eye lids painted, a tear below its eye drawn, and an inverted cross. For some reason, this crime was never reported so the police did not carry out any investigations for suspects.

Repeated Acts of Vandalism and Theft in the Catholic Church of Reilingen

October 28, 2021, Germany

The Catholic in Reillingen suffered of multiple cases of vandalism and also in the year before several thefts. A gilded consecrated cross, was stolen from a pedestal in front of a Virgin Mary statue in Reilingen. A year later, the cross which was from the St. Wendelin church, has been replaced. This theft was after multiple candles and candlesticks were stolen in the preceding months.

Man Pours Fecal Matter over a Statue of the Virgin Mary

October 26, 2021, Poland

It has first been reported that a man had been vandalising a statue of the Virgin Mary by pouring fecal matter over it for several months, the most recent incident being in October 26. in 2021. The last incident was recorded by a security camera, which made it possible to identify the perpetrator. The 57-year-old man has received a one-year sentence of restriction of liberty and has been charged with the costs of the proceedings.

Update! Man who Knocked Down a Public Cross Faces Up To 5 Years Prison

October 20, 2021, Poland

On 18. October, a man knocked down a cross on a public road with a saw, while filming himself. He then uploaded the video on the internet. A day later, he was identified. The 31-year-old man ran a website called "Action for the liquidation of road crosses all over Poland", in whose description he motivated the desire to remove them on the grounds that they "disfigure streets and pose a threat to road traffic. He also attacked many believers and the Church. For the destruction of the cross and offensive religious sentiments, the defendant could face up to five years in prison.

Cross Removed from a Public Place in Vinalesa

October 19, 2021, Spain

The town council from Vinalesa, governed by the Javier Puchol (PSOE-left wing party), demolished a cross-monolith in that was put in place in memory of eight people who were killed in during the civil war in 1936 in the town. Among the eight, was a Catholic priest who was murdered for his beliefs and some from the town saw this demolition has disrespectful to the deceased.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Toppled in Warsaw

September 16, 2021, Poland

Unknown perpetrators have toppled a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was placed in the garden of the Franciscan Sisters of the Family of Mary convent in Anin, Warsaw. The statue was tied with a telephone cable, which indicates that the vandalism was intentional. According to Father Marek Doszko, pastor of the parish of Our Lady Queen of Poland, where the house is located, the statue fell on soft ground and leaves, so no extensive damage was caused. The profanation took place on the day of the commemoration of the founder of the congregation, St. Zygmunt Szczęsny-Feliński

Rogation Cross in Saussines Vandalized

September 15, 2021, France

In mid-September, one of the three Rogation Crosses in Saussines, a town northeast of Montpellier on the road to Ales, was vandalized. The perpetrator remains unknown. The act shocked the locals and the faithful.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Attacked with Arson

September 14, 2021, France

A processional statue of the Virgin Mary in the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours in Guingamp was set on fire on 14 September. The fire was extinguished with an extinguisher by the owner of a nearby crêperie. According to a source close to the case: "The initial findings totally confirm it. It is clearly an arson attack. For the moment we have no information on the perpetrator or perpetrators. The investigations will continue. The statue was not completely destroyed, but its clothes were destroyed.

Church Premises Vandalised with Insulting Graffitis Against the Church

September 6, 2021, Spain

The famous romanic chapel known as Monsacro has been vandalised with graffitis and messages against the Church. The chapel building was not vansalised but the Way of Sorrows and the boundary markers were tagged with hostile messages.

Theft of Crucifix in Terlizzi

September 6, 2021, Italy

A crucifix was stolen on September 6th from the statue of Sant Rita in the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate church of Terlizzi. The statue has great religious significance and the vandalistic theft upset the church goers. They have invited all to pray that the crucifix gets returned.

Statue of Saint Timothy Vandalised in Termoli

September 1, 2021, Italy

A vandal damaged the clay statue of Saint Timothy on 1 September, located on the roundabout near the Homonim church. As reported by a witness, the perpetrator seemed restless because he was muttering and accusing.

Vandals Damaged Two Statues of the Redeemer in Bari

August 27, 2021, Italy

Between the 26. and 27. August, the two statues in front of the Redentore Church in the Liberta district of Bari were damaged by unknown vandals. The statue of Mary took the most damage. After inspecting the case, the authorities decided to position the security cameras to cover the area. Now, in the public churchyard, the entrance will now also be only allowed with the specific ordinance.

Statue of Father Eternal Vandalized in Trégastel

August 16, 2021, France

A statue of Father Eternal in Trégastel has been desecrated. The incident happened during the night of 16 August. Unknown perpetrators are said to have painted unpleasant tags onto the 152-year-old statue. Police have been informed and are currently trying to identify the culprit(s).

The Galician Government Removed Monument Dedicated to John Paul II

August 3, 2021, Spain

A monument, commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul ll, was removed by the Xunta de Galicia in March of 2021. They removed it because of its deterioration but it has recently become a problem since it doesn't seem to be getting reinstalled. The diocese of Galicia has tried to get in put back and the Christian Lawyers Association were collecting signatures to request its return. They claim that the authorities just wanted it removed and it could have easily been repaired so deterioration is not a sufficient reason.

Major Acts of Vandalism at Chapel Memorial in Besançon

July 29, 2021, France

During the night of 29 July to 30 July vandals are said to have caused great damage to the memorial at the Chapelle des Buis. The memorial houses a statue of the Virgin Mary and a crypt, which was built in 1949 in remembrance of 5,500 victims the town lost to the Second World War. Brother Nicholas from the Diocesan Association, who is the owner of the memorial, discovered the destruction and reported it to the local authorities. Acts of vandalism have increased lately, as especially young people come during nighttime to the monument to party and take drugs, stated the local residents. A plan to protect the monument is underway.

Teenager Destroyed Church Crucifix

July 21, 2021, Poland

Adam K., a 17-year-old was charged with destroying a statue of Christ in the Mikołów district during July. He unscrewed the metal cross, which he then used to smash the statue with, and then threw the shards into the field. Despite his claims that he did it because of alcohol intoxication rather than hate for religion, he has been charged with "insulting religious feelings by publicly defacing an object of religious reverence by destroying it."

Crosses Cut Down in Llodio

July 21, 2021, Spain

Crosses on the top of the Goikogane and Alpitsu peaks were cut down on the weekend of the19th of June by unknown attackers. Both crosses, located in the Llodio municipality, were cut off at the base. Bishop Elizalde said, “Attacking it, as someone has done in our land, is an attack against oneself and against all humanity.”

Desecration of Statue of Virgin Mary in Kraplewo

July 20, 2021, Poland

An unknown perpetrator is currently being searched for by polish police. The perpetrator is accused of having desecrated a statue of the Virgin Mary and the destruction of a roadside shrine in Kraplewo near Ostróda. Build in the 1950s the shrine has a cultural and historic meaning for the locals. If identified, the perpetrator is facing up to two years in prison for insulting an object of a religious group or a place intended for the public performance of religious rites.

Desecration of Statue of Virgin Mary in Bayeux

July 13, 2021, France

During the night of 5 to 6 July, currently unknown perpetrators decapitated the statue of the Virgin Mary in Bayeux. The statue is located near the Augustines chapel in Bayeux and had already fallen victim to other acts of vandalism. In 2013 a young man decapitated the statue, while in 2017, the head of the statue was covered in black paint. Although the police managed to recover the head of the statue nearby, the search for the culprit continues.

Man Detained After Desecrating Church in Istanbul

July 12, 2021, Turkey

The Surp Takavor Armenian Church in Istanbul has been desecrated. A 14-second video appeared on social media showing three men dancing next to a stone cross atop the church's courtyard gate. It is thought to have happened on 10 July, as the video was released on the evening of 11 July. Turkish authorities detained the three suspects on 12 July, while they were in their homes. An investigation is underway.

Desecration of Sacred Heart Statue in Bas Rain

July 4, 2021, France

A gold-plated Sacred Heart Statue in Bas Rhin (Alsace), France, has been desecrated with a swastika. The incident was discovered and reported by the parish priest of Molsheim on 4 July. The perpetrators are said to have used a point to engrave the symbol to the high up statue. Deputy Nathalie Dischler commented about an increase in vandalism towards Christian symbols and institutes in the region. Police are investigating.

Statues of Our Lady in Szczecin Tagged with Satanic Symbols

June 20, 2021, Poland

Unknown perpetrators desecrated the statues of the Virgin Mary and Our Lady of Fatima in Szczecin. The vandals spray painted an inverted cross and a pentagram onto the statues. They were located on a hill in front of the church. The parish asked the public for information on their Facebook account. Police are investigating.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Vandalized and Her Belongings Stolen

May 18, 2021, Spain

In the early hours of June 18, vandals broke the glass and threw to the ground the Statue of the Virgin in the chapel of Nuestro Padre Jesús de la Salvación. The perpetrators have stolen the crown, the dagger, and a brooch, as well as causing serious damage to the image. The brotherhood regrets what happened, especially because the image had recently been restored. The neighbors and devotees were shocked by this event.

Life Size Cross Stolen in Newcastle

May 13, 2021, United Kingdom

A life-size crucifix has been stolen sometime overnight between 12 May and 13 May 2021. The six-foot-high crucifix has been stolen from the All Saints' Church in Gosforth, Newcastle. The crucifix, which has been on display since 1965 "was situated in a consecrated area where many ashes are buried." said Rev Canon Andrew Shipton, from the All Saints' Church. He added, " It was a great shock to find that it had gone and a cause of considerable sadness". The police are asking the public for any information about the crucifix' disappearance and its possible whereabouts. The police are asking the perpetrators to return the crucifix, as it is also of immense sentimental worth.

Historic Statue of the Virgin Mary in Chapel in Uzbornia Forest Destroyed by Vandals

May 9, 2021, Poland

On 9 May 2021, unknown perpetrators destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary. The over 100-year-old statue was ripped from its pedestal and then shattered. The statue was placed in the historical chapel in the Uzbornia forest in Poland which was built in 1880 and renovated in 2013. The city council, Mariusz Zając and other parishioners abhor the act. The police are investigating.

Stolen Baptistery Found in Frankenberg

May 6, 2021, Germany

A baptistery stolen from an evangelical church in the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg in Germany has been found. The baptistery from the 17 century has been found and brought back to its rightful place. According to the local authorities, the baptistery made of brass has been stolen from the evangelical church back in March of 2021. The police did not give any information about how they discovered the baptistery due to ongoing investigations. It is to be assumed that since the incident the church has not been able to carry out any baptisms.

Perpetrators Vandalized Churches Along The Pilgrimage Route of Saint James

May 1, 2021, Italy

During the night of 30 April to 1 May, unknown perpetrators vandalised two churches, as well as, monuments and streetlamps illuminating the Barbaresco-Tower.  Windows of the San Bernardo Chruch were smashed in with stones. The stones also damged the ambo, causing it to fall and break. Another Church along the Pilgrimage route of Saint James was also affected. It has been reported that the perpetrators smashed beer bottles against the walls of the thousand-year-old church of San Giorgio. A few monuments and streetlamps illuminating the Barbaresco-Tower have also been vandalized and damaged through stones. Residents reported the incident and Town-Councillor Laura Gandolfo ordered an immediate investigation.

The Statue of Saint Gabriel Stolen From a Cemetery in Romans-sur-Isère:

April 27, 2021, France

By the end March in Romans-sur-Isère, a mother noticed that a large pot of flowers as well as the statute of Saint Gabriel have been stolen from the grave of the 37-age man. Shocked and affected by the act of the theft, the mother reported the incident to the police.

Cemetery In Nowa Wieś Ełcka Vandalised

April 26, 2021, Poland

After the cemetery in Nowa Wieś Ełcka was first vandalised and then destroyed by felled trees, it is now to be restored to its original state. The bishop of the parish, Paweł Hause, said: "Destroying the sign of the cross, which is on an old gravestone, by handling it with heavy equipment, overturning it, destroying it and burying it, offends the feelings of all Christians - Catholics, Evangelicals, Orthodox. It was the residents of the village, Catholics, who first pointed out this anti-Christian behaviour. Whatever the perpetrators and those responsible say, there has been a lack of respect for the dead and for the cemetery, which is and should remain holy ground."

Vandalistic Attack In Gussago After Priest Speaks Out

April 26, 2021, Italy

The priest's car, the church façade and the surveillance cameras of the church of Gussago, Franciacorta, were vandalised the night before 26 April. The perpetrators were a group of youths who had been celebrating frequently during services, next to the church the days before. After the parish priest Don Adriano Dabellani complained and called the carabinieri, vandalistic acts were perpetrated in the following nights, probably in revenge. The vandals wrote blasphemies on the priest's car, as well as on the façade of the church. Police are investigating.

Sainte-Thérèse Church In Évreux Subjected To Series Of Degradations

April 23, 2021, France

On the night of 22 April, the church of Sainte-Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus in the Nétreville district of Évreux was the victim of a burglary for the seventh time in six months. In the process, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary was found lying on the floor with large cuts to its head, having been subjected to repeated attempts at destruction in the days before. The other complaints in the intervening period include damage to several entrances to the interior of the church and the theft of numerous religious items. Meanwhile, a suspect has been arrested. The police is investigating.

Vandalism On The Steps Of The Church Of San Francesco

April 23, 2021, Italy

After the stone capital on the steps of the Marian Sanctuary of San Francesco all'Immacolata in Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Noto was vandalised, the perpetrator has now been identified and reported. The police were able to gather useful clues with the help of images from the video surveillance in the area, which made it possible to establish the identity of the vandal. It is a 33-year-old man already known to the police, who is facing charges of serious damage to historical objects - a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Bust Of St. John Paul II Vandalised In Front Of Polish Church In Paris

April 19, 2021, France

On 19 April, in front of the Polish Church of the Assumption at 'Concorde' in Paris, the bust of St John Paul II was vandalised . An unknown perpetrator covered the bust with red paint. Father Paweł Witkowski mentioned the great merits and achievements of John Paul II, who "certainly did not deserve such treatment". The case is being investigated by the police.

Blasphemous Posters on the Door of the Polish House in Bydgoszcz

April 2, 2021, Poland

On the 2nd of April posters explicitly attacking the Catholic Church and mocking the holy cross were hung on the door of the Polish House in Bydgoszcz. The Catholic House in Bydgoszcz, also called the Polish House, is a historic public building used as a place of activity by Catholic organisations and associations in Bydgoszcz. The unknown perpetrators also left the blasphemous inscription: "The secret of faith - cars and dollars". The holy cross, The incident was reported by the church authorities to the city police.

Vandalism in Diersheim Churches

April 1, 2021, Germany

On the first of April, the Diersheim church was found with hymn books thrown around and paper lying on the floor with some of it burnt. It was not known who committed the crime.

Polish Anarchists Hung A Vulgar Banner On A Church In Warsaw

March 31, 2021, Poland

Far-left groups in Poland are proud to show themselves profaning the Church of the Holy Saviour in the centre of Warsaw on social media. Local anarchists lit flares in front of the entrance to the temple and hung a banner with vulgar inscription on the scaffolding. The assault took place on the afternoon of March 31st. The far-left in Poland seems to enjoys an impunity. This is evidenced by the minimal reaction of the judiciary to the series of provocations, desecrations and attacks carried out against Catholic churches since October 2020. According to the TVP Info portal, the recent attack did not cause any material losses, and no one was physically harmed. Nevertheless, the series of incidents strongly accentuated the symbolic dimension of these acts.

Attempted Theft of Sacred Objects from via Catalani Church

March 26, 2021, Italy

On March 26th, 34-year-old Moroccan Mohamed Laafar, attempted to steal a chalice, a pyx, and a throne, from the parish of Peata maria Vergine della Pieta, in via Catalani. He would have succeeded, had the carabinieri not been alerted to the suspicious activity at which point they intervened and arrested him. On May 24th of 2022, he was sentenced by the Court of Sciacca Dino Toscano, to 5 months and 10 days imprisonment and a fine of 200 euros.

Church of the Crosses in Foggia Desecrated with Obscene Symbol

March 25, 2021, Italy

One of the five chapels of the Church of the Crosses in Foggia was smeared with blue paint. One pillar was defaced with a phallic symbol, now covered by a white cloth. The other pillars were sprayed with conspicuous and incomprehensible signs. Other writings were found on the ground of the chapel and on the pavement. The police is investigating.

201 Gravestones Destroyed At Olsztyn Cemetery - Perpetrator Caught

March 23, 2021, Poland

On March 23rd, the municipal police received a report that gravestones had been damaged at the cemetery in Olsztyn. A total of 201 graves were vandalised. A few hours after the report, the police arrested a 38-year-old man. The man confessed the crime of insulting a gravesite in connection with damage to property.

Relic Of St Thérèse Stolen In Clarens

March 23, 2021, Switzerland

On 23 March, the caretaker of the Catholic church in Clarens discovered broken glass and noticed that the piece of cartilage of the parish's patron saint, Saint Theresa of Lisieux, had been stolen from a statue. The chairman of the parish council says: "Materially, there's a bit of a market for relics, but I'm more inclined to think it was sacrilege." The police is investigating.

Two Anti-Christian Attacks In Churches In Nice

March 20, 2021, France

On march 20th, two perpetrators vandalised the interior of a small church in the Saint Isidore district, they also stole several consecrated objects. A few hours later the police arrested the perpetrators with the help of public video recordings. Another incident occurred in parallel at the Basilica of Notre Dame, the church where three Christians were killed by an Islamic Terrorist in October 2020. During this incident a perpetrator, who was later identified and arrested by the police, had praised the terrorist massacre during holy mass.

Rave Party In An Abandoned Armenian Monastery In Cyprus

March 20, 2021, Cyprus

On 20 March, a rave party took place in the Armenian monastery of Sourp Magar in northern Cyprus, which was founded in the 11th century and has been empty since 1974. Although the rave party took place several weeks ago, it only became known this week through a video. The US Ambassador to Cyprus, Judith Garber, condemned the rave party: "The US Embassy strongly condemns the abuse of the Armenian Monastery of Saint Magar. Freedom of worship is a fundamental value and we join religious leaders in calling for all places of worship, whether in use or not, to be protected from abuse, vandalism and desecration."

Icons and Walls of Church in Titan Smeared by Radical Left Group

March 18, 2021, Romania

The wooden church in Titan, Bucharest was vandalised by a radical Left group during the night of March 18th. Volunteers from the congregation discovered the damage when they opened the church the next morning. The outside walls of the wooden church were tagged with inscriptions such as "BLM" and "Be Gay do crime", which also covered the icons. BLM is short for Black Lives Matter, the movement in the United States. According to spokesperson of the Romanian Patriarchate, Vasile Bănescus, the act is just the latest example in a long line of violent acts dictated and perpetuated by neo-Marxism.

Arson and Vandalism In Church In Gödöllő

March 15, 2021, Hungary

On the evening of March 15th, unknown perpetrators broke into the Greek Orthodox Church of Gödöllő. The perpetrators then set fire to the pews and sprayed an icon with flammable material. Neighbours noticed the fire and immediately alerted the fire brigade. The parish priest described the vandalism as a clearly anti-Christian act and said that damage the vandals caused is estimated to be around 2.5 million HUF. The police is investigating.

Disturbing Act of Vandalism At Cork Cemetery

March 13, 2021, Ireland

In the early hours of March 13th, vandals smeared gravestones at a cemetery in Cork. The perpetrators sprayed headstones at St Mary and St John Church in Ballincollig with grafitti. In addition, stones were moved and knocked over. Fianna Fáil councillor Colm Kelleher described the scenes at the cemetery as: "This is someone's family member and for their final resting place to be desecrated in a way like this, it is absolutely disgusting," he said. The police is investigating and confirmed to the Irish Examiner that no arrests have yet been made.

Perpetrators Vandalise Cemetery and Steal Crosses in Dryżykowa

March 5, 2021, Poland

Last Friday, March 5th, unknown perpetrators vandalised a cemetery in Dryżykowa, Zawiercie. Decorative crosses from about 30 gravestones and images of Jesus Christ were stolen. According to the spokeswoman of the Zawiercie district police, they have received three reports of vandalism and theft so far. The police is investigating.

A Bronze Statue of Saint-Mary Stolen from the Cemetery of Allériot

March 5, 2021, France

On 5 May, the 19th century bronze statue of the virgin has been stollen from the cemetery of Allériot. Last April, two angels and other statues in the same area have also been stolen.

Church in Krakow Profaned and Damaged

March 3, 2021, Poland

On the evening of March 2nd, a group of youths attempted to break into the church and desecrate the shrine of Our Lady of Myślenice. After failing to do so, they began vandalising the area around the shrine and damaging the epitaph on the façade with a bottle, which was recorded by CCTV cameras. The spokesman for the Krakow Curia, Father Łukasz Michalczewski, explained that the attack was not random, as the perpetrators recorded the incident with a mobile phone. The case is being investigated by the police.

Perpetrator Filmed Himself Smashing The Statue of Notre-Dame-des-Marais

February 28, 2021, France

The statue of Notre-Dame-des-Marais in the church of Saint-Sulpice in Fougères was a victim of an act of vandalism. The 62-Kilogram statue, which stands more than three meters high, was thrown to the ground by a man, aged around 50 and believed to be a local resident. He filmed his act in a fifteen-minute video entitled "Divine Justice." He made remarks before the act of vandalism. He said: "No nudity and no idols, we are in the church of Jesus Christ here, so this is all a joke, this statue does not belong in my church." The police in Fougères have opened an investigation.

Unknown Perpetrators Steal Monstrances and Paten From Church In Freiburg

February 27, 2021, Germany

Unknown perpetrators stole two monstrances and a paten from the parish church of St. Konrad and Elisabeth in Freiburg during the night of February 26th. According to the police, the perpetrators broke open the outer door and got inside the church, where three religious objects, two valuable monstrances and a gold-plated paten, were stolen. The damage caused by the theft amounts to about 7,000 euros. According to Father Frank Prestel, the theft of the monstrances and the paten had damaged "the heart of the Eucharist" and the crime was part of a series of recent burglaries in churches in the area. The police is investigating.

Majority of Hate Crime Victims (42%) Are Catholics

February 26, 2021, United Kingdom

Recent figures show that Catholics are the most common victims of religious prejudice and hate crime in Scotland. 42% of religiously motivated hate crimes are perpetrated against Catholics, compared to 26% against Muslims and 10% against Protestants. In contrast, Scottish Government figures show that racially-motivated hate crimes have fallen by 20% between 2014-15 and 2019-20. At the same time, the hate crime rate against transgender persons doubled in number. Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie expressed that hate crime is an "under-reported offence", which means that victims "can be targeted on numerous occasions before they report to our officers".

Saint Joseph Chapel In Lille Demolished For New University Building

February 24, 2021, France

The chapel of the former Jesuit college Saint-Joseph in Lille, which dates back to the 19th century but was not classified as a historical monument, was demolished on 24 February. Previously, the association 'Urgences Patrimoine' had appealed against the decision before the Lille Administrative Court, but was not successful. The chapel is part of a complex that is to be completely redesigned as part of a campus project led by Junia, a major engineering school and member of the university. It envisages 40,000 m2 of teaching space, including 22,000 new rooms and an investment of almost 128 million euros. As part of this, the chapel, which is desanctified, had to be demolished.

Polish Musician on Trial for Desecrating the Virgin Mary

February 18, 2021, Poland

Frontman of the extreme metal band 'Behemoth' Nergal is accused of having offended religious sentiment in Poland. He posted a picture in 2019 on his Facebook account where he is stepping on a picture of the Virgin Mary. The case came to court after the conservative groups 'Ordo Iuris' and 'The Patriotic Society' claimed that some people including a Polish politician felt offended by the published photo. In a first hearing earlier this year an unnamed religious expert testified that "treading with a shoe on the image of the Mother of God is an offence against religious feelings". Adam Darski, Nergals formal name, has been found guilty and has to pay a fine of €2.900 plus an additionally €678 as court costs. "The Satanist of Warsaw" as he is named on YouTube, is challenging the guilty verdict and the fine. The case is now expected to proceed to a full trial. According to article 196 of Poland's penal code, Darski is now facing a prison sentence of up to two years, if found guilty in the trial.

Vandals Destroy Statue Of Virgin Mary In Czestochowa

February 17, 2021, Poland

During the night of February 17th, unknown perpetrators destroyed the statue of the Virgin Mary in the parish of the first Martyrs of Poland, Czestochowa. The statue which represents the Virgin Mary had its hands cut off and the surrounding area vandalised, flowers and candles were scattered. According to the parish priest, Father Jasionek, the incident was not reported to the police: "I did not report it to the police because I think it is not a material loss but a moral loss and the police will not help us in this matter."

Mock "Procession" in Jerez with a Crucified Doll Disrespects Catholics

February 14, 2021, Spain

The Spanish trade union CCOO, mocked the Andalusian Catholics by having a procession with a crucified doll to demand that an Employment Regulation File (ERE) not be made at the Holcim company. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Catholics were not able to do their procession during the Holy Week. To gain attention, the CCOO was willing to disrespect the Holy Week and a religious tradition.

Severe Vandalism at St. Barbara's Church in Warsaw

February 13, 2021, Poland

During night of February 14th, unknown perpetrators wreaked devastation on the parish cemetry complex of St. Barbara's Church in Warsaw. Ten inverted crosses were painted on the church doors, pillars and memorial plaques on the church walls. Among other things, memorial plaques of Warsaw insurgents and former parish priests were vandalised. The police is investigating.

Stolen Crosses And Vandalized Gravestones In Rybna

February 11, 2021, Poland

In late January and early February, more than 10 residents of Rybna, Poland complained about the vandalization of crosses and grave monuments of their relatives. Several people found gravestones with broken and stolen crosses and figures of Christ that were torn off crosses and thrown away nearby. People started intervening and reported the matter to the municipality. It was later discovered that the damage was not reported to the police, because according to the municipality, they did not have a report on the matter.

Vandals Damage Church In Lower Silesia

February 10, 2021, Poland

In the beginning of February, police officers from Zgorzelec arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of destroying windows and a stained glass window in one of the churches in the district. The man had been drinking near the church and later started to throw stones and empty bottles at the church.

100 Years Old Polish Chapel Destroyed By Vandals

January 21, 2021, Poland

On January 21st, vandals destroyed an over 100-year-old chapel in Otwock. The statue of the Virgin Mary was torn off and stolen. Thanks to the efforts of some residents the chapel was renovated and a new statue bought. Because the owners of the chapel are unknown, the police did not take up any investigations.

Cross Removed from Public Space in Spanish City Aguilar

January 19, 2021, Spain

The historic cross of the Discalced Carmelite Order was removed by the city of Aguilar de la Frontera on January 19th. The decision to cut down the cross of the Fallen was backed by the Act on Historical Remembrance. The act is concerned with removing symbols of the Franco regime. The leftist mayor Carmen Flores explained that the local Andalusian legislation regulates the public display of elements that glorify Francism and that the opinion of the church is irrelevant. The Spanish Association of Christian Lawyers contested the city council's decision to remove the cross to the administrative court.

Statue of Virgin Mary Decapitated in Leinefelde

January 11, 2021, Germany

An unknown vandal cut off the head of the figure of the Virgin Mary outside the Church of St. Maria Magdalena in Leinefelde on January 14th. The parish priest found smashed beer bottles nearby the Stations of the Cross and also reported the incident to the police, who investigated it. The property damage was not quite known yet but would be fixed "as soon as possible."

Former Spanish Deputy Encourages Violence and Vandalism to Churches

January 9, 2021, Spain

Marga Ferré, Izquierda Unida's former deputy in the Madrid Assembly for two terms, has encouraged young girls to enter churches without clothes and has applauded the demolition of statues. In a chat with six other communist women, this journalist made statements that glorify vandalism against Christian sites, considering it "amusing".

Nativity Scene Destroyed With Petrol Bomb on Christmas Eve

December 24, 2020, United Kingdom

A nativity scene in Raglan, Monmouthshire was destroyed with a petrol bomb on Christmas Eve. The perpetrators are unknown and a reward of £2,500 has been offered to anyone who can trace the culprit. The nativity scene had been installed in a bus shelter to bring joy to families over Christmas. The petrol bomb set the statues of a shepherd, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on fire, all were completely destroyed.

Nativity Scene in Spain Severely Vandalized

December 7, 2020, Spain

On December 7th, the nativity scene that is placed every year in the Eguzki square in Berriozar became the target of vandalism. Almost all figures were split in half and destroyed by unknown perpetrators. The figures are made out of wood and were freshly painted this year, which means that the budget for the new restoration is very small.

Vandals Smeared a Cross Near the Church in Valseca

November 25, 2020, Spain

On November 11th, the diocese of Segovia reported an act of vandalism against its heritage. Unknown perpetrators smeared the pedestal of a cross next to the door of the parish in Valseca. This is the third act of vandalism against the ecclesiastical patrimony in the last few days.

Paint Attack on Pope Monument in Poland

November 17, 2020, Poland

Unknown perpetrators vandalized a monument of John Paul II. The figure of the Polish Pope was smeared with red lightning paint, on September 11th. The sign has recently become a symbol of the women's strike, a social rebellion group against the tightening of the abortion ban.

Vandals Destroyed Figures of Fatima Children

November 16, 2020, Poland

Unknown perpetrators devastated three figures of praying Fatima Children on November 16th in Mogilno. The vandals used paving stones to smash the figure. One head and two arms were broken off the statues. The caused damage is estimated to be 1.000 PLN. According to the press officer of the District Police Headquater, the police is investigating in this case for offending religious feelings, which is punishable by up to two years imprisonment.

St. Christ the King Church in Gothenburg Devastated by Vandals

November 13, 2020, Sweden

The Church of St. Christ the King in Gothenburg was vandalized and devastated on November 13th. The unknown perpetrators destroyed the altar and threw the candlesticks, vestments and tablecloth on the ground. The pastor, Tobias Unnerstal, believes that the act was intentionally symbolic, trying to show an "eternal Good Friday". They also scattered the songbooks and used the fire extinguisher for the candles inside the chapel. In the same church, the crucifix was already stolen a week before. The police has been informed and they started an investigation.

Vandals Desecrated Chapel with Spray Paint

November 12, 2020, Italy

In Castrovillari, unknown vandals vandalized the chapel of the Madonna dell'Idria during the days before the 12th of November. The vandals smeared the altar with spray paint and the paintings above the altar, they also tagged the walls and some statues. The community was shocked at the sight of the images that circulated on the internet.

Three Chapels in Ghent Cemetery Vandalized

November 11, 2020, Belgium

On November 13th unknown perpetrators vandalized three chapels at the cementery in Vroonstalledries in Wondelgem.The police was informed by the secretary of the Church Council, who is calling for the installation of cameras to deter vandals.

Illegal Banner Hung on Cross of Mount Giewont

November 8, 2020, Poland

A gigantic banner from the "Women's Strike" movement was hung on a cross at the top of Mount Giewont in Zakopane. The photos taken with a drone were posted on the Facebook site of the Women's Strike organization on the 8th of November. The pictures show the several-meter-long cross covered by the banner stating: "domestic violence is not a tradition". The perpetrators had to climb the historic structure, which is forbidden.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Beheaded and Vandalized

November 2, 2020, France

A statue of the Virgin Mary, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes, was found beheaded on November 2nd in Montpezat-de-Quercy. The investigations showed that the perpetrators also threw stones at the statue, causing the destruction. The mayor and the priests have reported the act to the police.

Various Devotional Objects Stolen From Sacristy

November 1, 2020, Germany

During the night of November 1st, unknown thieves broke into the sacristy of the Schönberg church. The worth of the stolen devotional objects like goblets, incense burners, chalices, monstrances and wooden figures sums up to about 20,000 Euros. The police is investigating the incident and the course of events.

Theft and Vandalizm in Church in Nogent

November 1, 2020, France

A theft in the church of Saint Germain and Saint Eloi in Nogent took place in the week of November 1st. The church was not only looted but also vandalized. All metal objects and the consecrated hosts were stolen. A mass for reparation is to be held.

New Figures Show Churches Targeted For Theft and Vandalism

October 30, 2020, United Kingdom

According to figures published by Countryside Alliance, a total of 212 crimes were reported against churches in Devon and Cornwall over the last year, reported by Cornwall Live on October 30th. The request of the Freedom of Information Act was made to the Police, which revealed the target of churches for lead thefts, but also vandalism, violence, assault and burglary. The government made a commitment to protect places of worship with a crime action plan 2016-2020, which should provide security measures at places of worship vulnerable to hate crimes.

Ancient Relics Stolen From St. Wolfgang's Church

October 26, 2020, Germany

On October 26th, thousand-year-old relics were stolen from the St. Wolfgang church in Regensburg. The non-material damage is estimated at several thousand Euros, as the relics were the last mortal remains of the Saint. The relics were forcefully taken out of a bulletproof glass and steel case from the grave of St. Wolfgang, which is located in the entrance area of the church. The police is investigating and asking for witnesses. After ongoing investigations, the police says the thieves were professionals and that it looks like a planned act.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated in Germany

October 22, 2020, Germany

On the 22nd of October, a police officer discovered that the statue of the Virgin Mary, of the Jesuits Church in Straubing, was decapitated. The head of the statue laid on the floor between the doors of the church and had a mask on. Inside the church, he found the remaining of the statue, which was toppled over. The police is investigating.

Statue of Jesus on the Cross Set on Fire Outside St. Joseph Church

October 21, 2020, Germany

The statue of Christ on the Cross already has been vandalized in the past with satanic symbols, during the time of October 21 and 23, it was set on fire. The 31-year-old arsonist of the statue at St. Joseph's Church in Velbert, was found guilty of other arson attacks in the city and was arrested by the police, where he admitted the crimes. In order to cause the massive damage, it looks like the man wrapped the legs of the statue in cloth and then set it on fire.

Man Arrested for Beheading Two Statues of the Virgin

October 21, 2020, France

At Pont d'Herault in Suméne and at Montaud, the statues of the Virgin Mary were beheaded by a man. The perpetrator, who destroyed the statue by throwing stones at them, was arrested by the police and has admitted the crimes on the 21st of October.

20 Tombs Desecrated in Escalatens

October 20, 2020, France

On the 20th of October, the police was informed about the desecration of 20 Tombs in the cemetery of Escalatens. The families of the desecrated tombs were notified. The candles, symbols and flowers were scattered and the tombstones were turned over.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel Was Heavily Desecrated and Looted

October 19, 2020, Croatia

During the night of October 19th, the parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Jelenje was devastated, desecrated and looted. The Pastor has cancelled all masses, because the damage must be repaired, before the church prepares for any further liturgical celebrations. On the photos of the incident it can be seen that the locks of the door, the tabernacle on the altar and safe box were broken open. The police is investigating.

Man Attacks Crucifix and Brutally Beats Up Priest

October 18, 2020, Italy

On the18th of October, a 46-year-old man with a criminal record vandalised the parish of San Giovanni Maria Vianney in Rome. He entered the church in the afternoon, while the parish priest was preparing for the celebrations. The man threw himself on the statue of Jesus crucified and started damaging it. As the priest tried to stop him, the perpetrator punched him in the face and pushed him to throw him to the ground, threatening him with death. With the help of a collaborator, he was taken outside, where he kicked the door of the church. As the police arrived he was also violent to the officers, the man was then arrested.

Vandalism with Satanic Symbols on Church in Cyprus

October 11, 2020, Cyprus

On the night of 11. October, unknown perpetrators sprayed icons, crosses and the church doors of the greek-orthodox Church of Mitseros with Satanic symbols like pentagrams and upside-down crosses. The leader of the village community suspects that the perpetrators could be the same as the ones who started a fire in the church one year ago. The investigations by the police are still ongoing.

Burglars Break Into a Church in Naples and Vandalise it

October 9, 2020, Italy

On the 9th of October, a group of unknown vandals broke into the church Santa Croce al Mercato and caused a lot of damage. The Carabinieri intervened and the technicians of the municipality are estimate the damage. The entrance fence was opened by force and the marble was unhinged from the seat, some brass knobs that held marble plaques were also stolen. The Carabinieri think it was a vandal raid. Inside the sacristy some books have been damaged and some relics are missing.