All cases

Gilded Cross Was Stolen From Church in Kastl

October 3, 2020, Germany

On the 3rd of October, a gilded cross was stolen from the monastery castle church St. Peter in Kastl. The church remained open during the day. The police is looking for witnesses.

Church of Sant’Agata al Collegio Devastated for a Second Time

September 22, 2020, Italy

Sant'Agata Church was devastated for the second time on September 22nd. The tomb containing the saint's relics was ravaged, the tabernacle was broken, and consecrated hosts were stolen. Representations of the Mother of God were also destroyed. Two men have already been arrested, according to Italian media reports. The Ministry of the Interior promised funds to implement a video surveillance system and improve security measures.

Statue of St. Anthony Demolished

September 18, 2020, Italy

The bronze Statue of St. Anthony in Milano was demolished on the night of 17th to 18th September. The statue was in front of the sanctuary of St. Anthony of Padua for 88 years. The statue is significantly heavy and, therefore, there must have been three perpetrators involved in the demolition. Churchgoers from the neighborhood suspected that the perpetrators are homeless men who gather at the square and are frequently heavily drunk, but there is no evidence that it was them. The police are investigating.

Increased Number of Thefts, Vandalism and Desecrations Leads to Closure of More Churches

September 18, 2020, France

On the occasion of the Heritage Days which took place from 19 to 20 September in Paris, RCF radio in France points out that the increase in theft, vandalism and desecration of churches in France prompts more and more priests to close their churches outside of services. For several months the churches have been attacked through theft of liturgical utensils, relics, desecration and even arson. In 2019, there were more than 1052 incidents registered, including 996 acts of vandalism or graffiti and 56 threats against persons.

Arson to Statue of John the Baptist from the Barock Period

September 17, 2020, Germany

On 17th September, members of the church found the figure of John the Baptist of the baptismal font from the barock period damaged by a burning candle. The perpetrator placed it on purpose. The police estimates a damage cost of 2000 euros. Police is asking for witnesses.

The Statue of the Virgin Mary Completely Vandalized

September 17, 2020, Belgium

With probably an iron bar, the statue of the Virgin, at the Place des Quatre-Grands in Jemeppe, has been demolished.

Figure of Christ Damaged on Roadside Cross in Katowicach

September 6, 2020, Poland

Vandals damaged the figure of Christ on a roadside cross, which is situated at the intersection between Szczecińska, Ściegiennego and Krzyżowa road in Katowicach. The damage was reported by Sw. Józefa Robotnika Parish in Józefowcu.

Vandals Desecrated Church in Xanthi

September 2, 2020, Greece

The Chapel of St. Alexander was desecrated by unknown vandals in Xanthi, Greece, in the first week of September. The vandals scratched the faces of the Saints and Icons. The exact time of vandalism is unknown.

Wayside Cross destroyed in Colmar

August 30, 2020, France

During the night of 30 to 31 August, the wayside cross in rue du Logelbach in the city of Colmar was destroyed. Prior to the attack, plans had already been made to restore the cross and set it up in the presbytery park. The priest of Saint-Joseph parish, François Martz, filed a complaint online.

Statue of Armenian Priest Smeared by Turkish Genocide Deniers in Paris

August 30, 2020, France

CCAF (Council for Coordination of Armenian Organizations in France) reported on their Facebook page on August 30th, that a statue of the Armenian priest Komitas Vardapet, symbol of the Armenian Genocide, had been smeared with graffiti. The nature of the incident hints at a motive coming from Turkish genocide deniers. The message read "c'est faux", which can be translated as "This is not true". CCAF expressed their concerns regarding this attack on the dignity of the descendants of the victims of the Armenian genocide.

Old Wooden Cross Vandalised in Mount of Calvary

August 30, 2020, Italy

On an unknown time before the end of August, unknown vandals removed the arms of the wooden cross, which was placed on Monte della Croce in Carpineti. Another unidentified pilgrim, replaced the damage with a wooden rod and tied it with iron wire. A formal recovery of the Cross was celebrated as part of the San Vitale Fair.

15 Pieces of Art Stolen from Basilique Saint-Mathurin in Larchant

August 29, 2020, France

14 paintings and a statue of Christ on the cross were stolen from Basilique Saint-Mathurin in Larchant. While the financial loss was estimated at 25.000 to 30.000 euros, the community also mourned the loss of heritage. The theft could have taken place between August 20 and 29. La Chapelle-de-la-Reine brigade initiated an investigation, supported by the research department of Fointainebleau police.

Sacred Objects for Worship Stolen from Five Churches in Jura Region

August 28, 2020, France

A series of thefts occured in the French region of Jura during the period of August 16th to 28th: A monstrance and a chalice were stolen from both the church in Nevy-sur-Seille and Monteney. In Saint-Etienne Church in Rans, three golden chalices, a small golden ciborium and a silver cup, listed as part of the heritage of sacred arts, were stolen. In addition, a chalice, a ciborium and a paten were missing in Rochefort-sur-Nenon and the collection box in Baume-les-Messieurs was plundered. The police in Dole began investigations and suspected that most of the cases were linked.

The Statue of Christ of The Po Destroyed

August 28, 2020, Italy

On the night between 28th and 29th August, the Statue of Christ of the Po was destroyed. The statue was inaugurated in August, made by the sculptor Mario Spadari. The unknown vandals threw stones at it and then destroyed and mutilated it. The local police started an investigation, but there were neither witnesses nor security cameras.

Man Destroyed Angel Statue in Church

August 25, 2020, Poland

On the 25. August, a 32-year-old man destroyed the figure of an angel with a stoup in the historic church of the Salesian priests dedicated to St. Joseph in Przemysl. This happened just before Mass, during the adoration service of the Blessed Sacrament. He turned out to be intoxicated by alcohol. Apparently he also was offending the priest verbally.

Islamist Attacker Targeted President of The Synagogue, LGBT Association, and Church in Graz

August 22, 2020, Austria

On August 22nd, a 31-year-old man from Syria with Islamist motivations violently attacked the president of the Jewish community in Graz, Elie Rosen, with the leg of a chair. Following his capture, he also admitted vandalism attacks on the synagogue, the facilities of LGBT association RosaLila PantherInnen, and a brothel. He is responsible for smearing several walls in Graz with pro-Palestinian paroles and symbols and spraying symbols on a church. The Austrian media reported that the motives were anti-Semitism, homophobia, and rejection of Austrian society, but did not mention that his anti-Christian motives.

Cross vandalized in Saint-Aubin-d'Aubigné

August 21, 2020, France

On August 21st, a local resident provided photos of a broken wayside cross. It was then repaired by the town council. The cross had already been knocked off its pedestal once in 2019.

Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and The Staue of Bernadette in Santa Rita Parish Vandalized

August 20, 2020, Italy

On the Morning of 20th August, it was reported that the Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, which was in a niche in Via Massarenti in Bologna, was vandalized. The police started investigations to identify the responsible vandals. The Statue was in the parish of Santa Rita. Another statue of Bernadette was also damaged. The parish priest said this was not the first time that this happens.

The Statue of the Madonna Vandalized

August 18, 2020, Italy

A few days before the 18th August, the parish priest Don Franco Nannipieri discovered the act of vandalism in the oratory of the church. The Statue of the Madonna had a plastic basket stuck on her head. They suspect that the vandals were a group of children. The mayor showed his solidarity with the victims and wrote on Facebook about the importance of teaching respect to children.

Hermitage in Alicnate Heavily Damaged, Desecrated and Robbed

August 15, 2020, Spain

On 15. August, the Christ Most Holy hermitage in Alicante was robbed and damaged by vandals. According to the parish administrator, the perpetrators stole several religious objects including a ceramic chalice, paten, metal crowns, statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and a sword from the Virgin Statue. They smashed through the altar of Saint Joseph and significantly damaged the building. The vandals also looted the drawers of furniture and threw devotional and liturgical books on the floor. The police is still investigating, but even if detained, the police said the vandals would not have received prison charges.

Wayside Cross Stolen and Destroyed in Arcambal

August 15, 2020, France

In Arcambal, in mid-August, a stone cross was stolen. The cross was part of the small heritage of the village and was located in the commune of Arcambal, in the Lot, at the corner of the castle wall, at the crossroads of the route du Tréboulou and the route de Cahors. It was torn off the wall and stolen. A complaint was filled.

A Group of Drunk Teenagers Destroyed And Desecrated A Statue of Jesus on The Cross

August 14, 2020, Italy

On the night of Friday 14th August, a group of drunk young teenagers or even children destroyed the Statue of Jesus on the Cross, recorded it on video, and posted it later on social media. The Statue was on the road between Vindicatico and Monte Pizzo, in Lizzano. On the Video, one hears laughter and curses, while one young man hits the statue with a bat, the statue was also broken into pieces and smashed on the ground. The Carabinieri investigated and tracked down the perpetrators, who were between 19 and 16 years old. They were then denounced. One of the perpetrators wrote a letter of apology. The statue had been recently restored and people reacted badly to the scene.

Man Broke Into Church And Destroyed Hymnal

August 11, 2020, Germany

On the 11th of August in Lößnitz, a man broke into the Johanniskirche and destroyed a hymnal. The 37-year-old man first tried to break open the entrance door of the church, then he smashed a window pane and entered the interior of the church. He damaged the hymn and songs book. The employees of the cemetery interrupted the perpetrator and the witnesses called the police. The damage made is estimated to be around 500 euro.The man was arrested and released on Wednesday.

Cross of St.Joseph Vandalized For a Second Time

August 9, 2020, Germany

During the time of 9th August to 11th, the 100-year-old Cross of St. Joseph was smeared and defaced for a second time after a week with the same satanic symbol. The cross had been defaced with an astrological symbol linked to satanism and feminism. The first act was reported on 5th August. The Statue was also lately burned. The suspect for the arson was caught by the police.

Wayside Cross Vandalized in Magneville

August 9, 2020, France

A wayside cross in Magneville/Manche was knocked down, leaving both the cross and the figure of Christ broken into pieces. An observer informed the Observatoire de la Christianophobie on August 9th.

Vandals Defaced Church of Santo Stefano di Macurano

August 9, 2020, Italy

On the 9th of August, the medieval Church of Santo Stefano di Macurano, in the countryside of Alessano, was defaced with paint inscriptions on the walls. The phrases were vulgar and blasphemous made with red and black paint insulting the Church and God. The perpetrators were identified through witnesses and security cameras as an Italian man and a German woman.

Act of Vandalism To The Statue Of St. Joseph

August 8, 2020, Italy

On Saturday 8th August, a vandal struck the Statue of St. Joseph in the Madonna della Pace Church in Pantelleria-Tracino. The hand of the saint was damaged. The statue will need a restoration.

Three Statues of The Church of Saint-André Destroyed

August 7, 2020, France

During the last weeks before the 7th August, there were three acts of vandalism in St. Andrew Church in the historic center of Niort. It is suspected that the vandals came during the nights from Thursday to Friday and destroyed several statues of the church. The Statue of the infant Jesus, carried in the arms of St. Anthony was left in a thousand pieces. Some pieces were thrown in a trash can near the monument. The Church remained closed for safety, and the parish filed a complaint to the police.

Image of the Madonna and Crosses Vandalized in A Shrine

August 6, 2020, Italy

On the 6th August, in the village of Pescina, the Sactuary was found vandalized. The image of the Madonna was torn to pieces and the crosses were damaged. All along the path to the Shrine, the symbols and flowers were torn off. The police was notified.

Monument Of a Cross in Front Of The Cemetery Partly Destroyed

August 3, 2020, France

Between the 3rd and 4th August, in Pujaut, the monument of a cross in front of the cemetery was partly destroyed. A part of the stone pedestal and the cross, that was on top, were destroyed. The mayor of Pujaut wants an explanation for the degradation.

Open Air Church Vandalized and Urinated

August 1, 2020, Italy

On the 1st to 2nd August, in the small village of Porto San Paolo, the Open-Air Chapel was vandalized. A group of people urinated in the stoup and threw the Statue of the Madonna to the ground. They also damaged a rear window of a car parked nearby.

Activists Hang Rainbow Flag and Anarchist Bandana on Statue of Christ in front of Warsaw Basilica

July 28, 2020, Poland

During the night of July 28th activists from the self-described "anarchist-queer" community launched what they termed a "rainbow assault" across Warsaw. They placed a rainbow flag on the statue of Jesus Christ carrying the Cross in front of the Basilica and attached a purple anarchist bandana over Christ's face. Several of Warsaw's other famous monuments were similarly targeted. The activists left cards with a "manifesto" beginning with the phrases "This is an assault! It's a rainbow. It's an attack! We've decided to act." The message went on to say their provocative actions would continue until Polish society accepted them.

The Deputy Agnès Thill talks about religious Intolerance in The Parliament (Video)

July 21, 2020, France

In a two-minute intervention, the Deputy Agnès Thill calls on the government to protect religious freedom and churches in Nantes. She referred to the latest report on anti-religious acts published by the Ministry of the Interior. Based on the report, 1052 anti-Christian acts, 657 antisemitic acts, and 154 anti-Muslim acts have been committed in 2019. She calls on the protection of secularism and fight against antisemitism, islamophobia, but also all anti-christian acts.

‘Black Madonna’ in Breda defaced

June 22, 2020, Netherlands

On June 22nd, vandals defaced the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa and painted the letters "BLM" at the base in a park chapel in Breda. The image of Our Lady, which is revered by Poles and also known as the 'Black Madonna', was erected in the park in 1954 in thanksgiving for the city’s liberation from the Nazis.

Church Devastated, Altar Burned and Crucifix Stolen in Gattinara

June 18, 2020, Italy

On the night of 17th to 18th June, unknown vandals targeted the small Church of the Madonna of the Consolation. The vandals forced the door open, stole the Crucifix, set fire to the altar, which also damaged the paintings and decorations, and destroyed the statue of the Madonna. The statue was found outside from the building.

The Head of Saint Arnould Detached and Thrown in Ravine

June 14, 2020, Belgium

The head of the statue of Saint Arnould, patron saint of brewers, erected in Bouillon (province of Luxembourg), was unscrewed and thrown into a ravine during the night between June 13th and 14th. It was badly damaged but not destroyed because vegetation in the ravine broke its fall. A complaint was filed and Bouillon Mayor Patrick Adam was confident the perpetrators would be caught: “Thanks to the cameras that are installed by the municipality and thanks to those of the private ones, we will be able to recover images. We do not want this act to go unpunished.”

Statue of the Virgin Mary Destroyed in Cameri

June 3, 2020, Italy

On the night of the 3rd to 4th of June, the Statue of the Virgin Mary of the Library of Cameri was destroyed by unknown vandals. The Statue rested on the courtyard of the library, in a niche. The perpetrator took it out and threw it out into the street, breaking it into pieces.

Devastation and Theft of Crosses in Cemetery in Poland

May 29, 2020, Poland

On the 29th of May, the community cemetery of Wieliczka was devastated by a 28-year-old man. He was found on the next morning driving his bike drunk. The police noticed that his bag contained several metal crosses. The crosses were stolen from the cemetery, where he torn off the objects from the gravestones. He was charged with 8 years of prison.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated and Thrown to the Ground

May 28, 2020, Italy

On the 28th May, an unknown vandal or vandals decapitated the Statue of the Madonna in the town of Rosta, Turin. The statue was found thrown on the ground and beheaded. The Mayor himself condemned this act of vandalism.

Church on Lesbos Island is Trashed And Used as Toilet

May 15, 2020, Greece

On the 15th of May, a Facebook User and local from Moria posted images of Saint Catherine Church on Lesbos, which is being used as a bathroom. He reported that the smell inside was terrible, and that the metropolitan of Mytilene is aware of the situation but did not act or deal with it. Volunteers have offered to restore the Church.

Vandalisation and Damage to The Church at Montpezat-de-Quercy

May 15, 2020, France

On the night of Friday 15th to Saturday 16th, several persons entered the small Church of Pilou in Montpezat-de-Quercy. A bar of one of the windows of the sacristy was also loosened so that someone could get in. The candles and other pieces of plastic were burned. The perpetrators also used the cassocks and priestly clothing and put them on the crosses. The police were informed.

Desecrated Tombs in the Eastern Cemetery, Crosses Torn Off And Thrown To The Ground

May 6, 2020, France

On 6. May, the eastern cemetery was found desecrated. Twenty-one wooden crosses were torn down and thrown to the ground. The cemetery was closed due to the Pandemic, which gave the opportunity for the perpetrators to vandalize it. The mayor condemned the desecration and announced that Nice would file a complaint to the police.

Three Meter Cross is Set on Fire in a Parish House in Ludwigshafen

May 5, 2020, Germany

Between Monday 4th May and Tuesday 5th May, unknown individuals set fire to a wooden cross in the courtyard of the parish house of the Catholic parish of Edith-Stein in Ludwigshafen. The cross was three meters high, which was completely burnt and caused damage of around 200 Euro. The police started the investigations.

The Olárizu Cross Painted with Graffiti in Vitoria

May 3, 2020, Spain

On the 3rd of May, the Cross of Olarizu was sighted with Graffitis of the symbol of the left political party, the words "feminism", "socialism" and "independence". The Cross had also been severely damaged in 2018, the perpetrators said it belonged to the past.

Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes Destroyed

May 3, 2020, France

On the 3rd of May, in Munster, some vandals destroyed the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. A cross has already been vandalised in this town in 2018.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated

April 30, 2020, France

On the 30. April in Bonnieux, a statue of the Virgin Mary was destroyed. Its head was taken off and placed on a metal bar on the fence of the sanctuary.

Break-In, Theft of Nativity Scene, and Vandalism in Church

April 24, 2020, United Kingdom

On the night of Friday 24th April, thieves broke into St. Andrew's Church in Congresbury and stole two characters from its Christmas nativity display, Jesus and Mary and damaged wooden crosses. In addition, they snatched one of the three Kings, an ox, and the manager of baby Jesus. They also stole donations and several smaller figures from another nativity set. The thieves were captured on a neighbour's camera, and the incident was reported to the police.

The Government Prohibits the Procession of the Santa Faz to Bless the City.

April 17, 2020, Spain

The Subdelegation of the Government prohibited on the 17th April the Procession of the Santa Faz relic to bless the city, which would have taken place on the 23rd April. The reason was that the act was not covered by the regulations on the state of alarm for the Covid-19 pandemic. The mayor and priests proposed alternatives for celebrating the procession without danger of contagion. However, the Council has not approved it. In other historical pandemics, the celebration had taken place.

Arson Attack at Christ the King Church in Backnang

April 13, 2020, Germany

On Easter Monday in the Christkönigskirche in Backnang, unknown perpetrators entered the church and set it on fire. This happened between 8 and 11 o'clock. They lit the Easter display on a high table and set fire to cloths and a pinboard. A witness was able to extinguish the fire and to prevent a greater damage, according to the police report.

Theft of Statue of the Virgin Mary in Dorsten

March 27, 2020, Germany

On March 25th a statue of the Virgin Mary was stolen from the St. Antonius church in Dorsten. CCTV captured a couple entering the church and stealing the relic. The police is investigating and asking the public for help to find the statue, as it has a high ideational value for the parish.

An Angel Statue Vandalised

March 25, 2020, Poland

In the night of March 25th, two wooden statues; one of an angel and the other of a woman, were damaged in Kadzidlin. An unknown person cut off the wing of the angel standing by the building of the Municipal Library as well as the upper part of the woman`s figure. The whole damage amounts to 4.000 zlotys. A 43-year-old was caught and admitted the crime using a petrol saw. According to the Criminal Code, the crime committed by the 43-year-old man for unknown reasons is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Vandalism in Cemetery of Wysokie: Broken Crosses and Plates

March 25, 2020, Poland

Around the end of March, a 22-year-old perpetrator entered the cemetery in Wysokie and devastated three graves. He destroyed plates, torn off the crosses and broke them and damaged the flacons, he also smashed the candles all over the cemetery. The total damage was estimated to be over 4.700 Zlotys. The police officers arrested the young man. In Niepolomice, the officers detained also a 28-year-old man in Podłęże for a similar crime.

Religious Statues Stoned by Vandals

March 23, 2020, Italy

Around March 15th, unknown perpetrators stoned the statues of the Virgin Mary and Pope John Paul II placed next to the entrance of the church San Martino in Magnago.

Virgin Maria Mocked By Graffiti

March 8, 2020, Spain

In the evening of March 8th, (women’s day) an insulting graffiti was sprayed under the ceramic altarpiece of the Virgin del Buen Fin on the wall of the church of San Martin. The tag said: "The Virgin Mary would also have had an abortion". The graffiti was removed from the facade of the church.

"The Virgin Would also have an Abortion" Graffiti on Church

March 8, 2020, Spain

On March 8th (International Women`s Day), perpetrators painted the walls of the church of Santa Maria de Sants in Barcelona with a graffiti which says: "The virgin would also have an abortion".

Theft And Desecration n Kędzierzynie Church

February 29, 2020, Poland

On February 7th to February 8th 2020, an unknown person broke into a polish church in Kędzierzynie. The monstrance and the mass chalice were stolen and the tabernacle has been opened. Additionally, the Blessed Sacrament and consecrated messages were poured onto the altar. The damage amounts to 10.000 zlotys.

Desecration of Tabernacle and Stolen Hosts in Church of San Carlo

February 28, 2020, Italy

On the 28th of February, perpetrators desecrated the tabernacle and stole the sacred Hosts from the Church of San Carlo in Pavignano. The police started an investigation. They suspect a satanistic bias, for no things of valor were stolen.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Decapitated

February 24, 2020, France

In Limerzel, the statue of Notre-Dame de la Salette, dated from 1953, was found beheaded.

Saint Louis Cathedral and Statue of Pierre Belain Vandalized with Tags

February 23, 2020, France

On the night between Sunday, February 24, 2020, to Monday, February 24, 2020, the Saint-Louis Cathedral and the statue of Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc were covered with tags

The Removal of the Benedictine Monks from the Valley of the Fallen

February 11, 2020, Spain

A new law, promoted by José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, intends to start the exhumations of the victims of the Civil War. The regulations also included a "re-signification" of the Valley of the Fallen, turning it into a civil cemetery. This will lead to the extinguish and the expel of the Order of Benedictine Monks, who run the Valley since 1957. In September, the law has been passed; the Basilica and the Cross will remain on the Valley, but the Benedictine Monks will be expelled.

Overturned Headstones in Yvorne Cemetery

February 5, 2020, Switzerland

On 5 February, it has been reported that the cemetery of Yvorne was desecrated. Some headstone were overturned in the left part of the cemetery, where the oldest graves were. The police was informed.

Desecration Of Old Chapel And Third Millenium Cross In Poland

January 31, 2020, Poland

A 40-year-old man first profaned a 136-year-old chapel in the forest of Beskid Maly and then vandalized a Third Millennium Cross on the hill of Trzy Lipki. He was arrested on the following day.

Degradations of the Church of Notre Dame in Le Quesnoy

January 21, 2020, France

Three people were arrested, after they vandalized the Church Notre Dame de l'Assomption in Le Quesnoy on the 21st of January. The vandals destroyed chairs, turned over crosses and damaged the statue of Christ on the Cross, among other things.

Statue of Christ Severely Damaged in Vernole

January 14, 2020, Italy

In Vernole on 14 January, criminals seriously damaged the statue of the dead Christ in the Church of the Visitation. The statue is now missing both feet, is detached from the base and was thrown into a corner of the crypt where it was located. The police started investigating.

Priest Suggested Using CCTV Cameras after Vandalism in Church of Abbeyleix

January 12, 2020, Ireland

On the morning of January 12th, between 9am and 9:30am, a new ornate candelabrum was smashed to pieces and then discarded in the nearby cemetery of the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Abbeyleix, County Laois. A male suspect was charged and faced an appearance before the District Court. The parish priest called for improvement of security systems and suggested the installation of CCTV cameras.

Nativity Scene Vandalised in Saint-Hilaire Church in Faye-l’Abbesse

January 11, 2020, France

On 11 January, the Saint-Hilaire Chruch in Faye-l'Abbesse was found without the baby Jesus statue from the nativity scene. The pieces of the Jesus statue were found again at the back of the church. The body, arms and head were scattered. This adds up to recurring vandalism observed by the gendarmes. There have been looting, the cutting of the organ's power supply wire, the disappearance of the sheep from the nativity scene and the burning of music sheets and the curtains of a confess ional altar and coverings and many more.

Children Set A Christmas Nativity Scene On Fire

January 7, 2020, Belgium

On January 7th two boys aged 11 and 12 set a Christmas nativity scene on fire and almost destroyed the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation in Vilvoorde. The boys confessed and the case will now be dealt with the youth prosecutor's office.

Martyr's Cross Smashed At Puente Genil

January 3, 2020, Spain

On January 3rd 2020, the cross of the martyr Antonio Baena Castellanos, which represented the genocide of Puente Genil, was thrown on the ground and damaged. Antonio Baena Castellanos was axed to death in July 1936 by the Republicans of Puerto Alegre. During the genocide, 157 victims were killed, 7 churches were completely destroyed and 28 private buildings burned to the ground. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.

Statue of the Virgin Mary Blown Up in Waldmünchen

January 1, 2020, Germany

On New Year's Eve, a 22-year-old man blew up the statue of the Virgin Mary, which was placed in the garden of the parish of St. Stephen of Waldmünchen. The perpetrator also filmed the act. The statue stood on a one-meter-high grotto and was blown up with a banger. Parts of the statue were found within a radius of several meters, additionally a pile of rubble was left in the garden. The statue had a monetary value of 1.000 Euros, but the ideational damage is much bigger, for the grotto was made by a sacristan of the parish 40 years ago. When interrogated, the young man said he did it for the "nice feeling", he got reported by the police, but still walks freely.

Various Nativity Scenes Were Vandalised and Desecrated In Lombardy

January 1, 2020, Italy

In the days before and after New Year's Eve, there were several acts of vandalism of nativity scene throughout Lombardy. This included the cities of Lodi, Brescia, Milano, Como, Concorezzo and Fabriano. Most of the vandalism targeted the statues of the infant Jesus, but often the acts were towards the entire crib. In one case the Jesus statue was decapitated, thrown on the trash or destroyed, and the pictures were shared on social media. In other cases excrements were left on the scene and the figures were vandalised or stolen. The teenagers who posted the acts on social media were identified.

Nativity Scenes Destroyed and Burned Down in Ypres Saint Martin Church and Neighbourhoods of Marke, Watermael-Boitsfort and Mousset

January 1, 2020, Belgium

The nativity scene of Ypres Saint Martin Church has been damaged numerous times in the last period. Perpetrators tore the baby Jesus apart as well as smeared the figures of the saints with ketchup. The hat of Joseph disappeared twice, and the dolls were pulled apart. In another neighbourhood, Marke, the baby Jesus has also been stolen from the nativity scene and hung above the tunnel. In Watermael-Boitsfort and Mousset, the nativity scenes were set on fire. The cases have been suspected as arson.

A Statue of The Christ Child Stolen Twice

November 26, 2019, Austria

On the 26th of November, the Baby Jesus of the Nativity Scene was reported to be stolen twice. The leader of the 11th District, Paul Stadler, promised to restore a Statue before Christmas. There was no trace of the stolen figures. The Father from the neighbouring parish offered the thieves to give back the statues anonymously in front of the church and to confess if they are interested.

Sacred Objects Stolen from Church in Lachau

November 23, 2019, France

On November 23rd, unknown perpetrators stole sacred objects from the church of Lachau, in the South-Drôme. A chalice, two vases and a ciborium were stolen, according to the observations made by the gendarmes of the Buis-les-Baronnies. The police is investigating.

French Nun Denied a Place in Retirement Home Due to Religious Habit

November 19, 2019, France

In October 2018, an elderly nun applied for a place in a retirement home in Vesoul, run by the city's Centre Communal d'Action Sociale (CCAS) in her home prefecture of Haute-Saone. After nine months on the waiting list, on July 2019, her request for housing was accepted, but with one condition: "With due respect for secularism, any ostentatious sign of belonging to a religious community cannot be accepted in order to ensure the serenity of all. Indeed, religion is a private affair and must remain so." The nun was told she could only wear a discreet cross. Having worn her religious habit all of her adult life, she refused to comply and was thus denied a place.

Self-Described Satanist Vandalized 100 Graves in Cognac Cemetery

October 30, 2019, France

Just before All Saints' Day, about 100 graves were damaged or destroyed in the Breuil cemetery of Cognac. Christian symbols including crucifixes, crosses, and statues of the Virgin Mary and angels were targeted. An 18-year-old self-described Satanist who "hates all religions, especially Catholicism," was arrested by the police. The timing of the incident, given its close proximity to the feast of All Saints and All Souls, shocked local residents.

Vandalism of a Hundred Graves in Toulouse Cemetery

June 9, 2019, France

During the night between June 8 and 9, a hundred graves in the Terre-Cabade cemetery, the largest cemetery in Toulouse were damaged by vandals. According to reports, crucifixes and crosses on the graves were broken and scattered, as well as flowers and planters. Jewish and Muslim graves in the cemetery of 300,000 graves were unharmed.

Posters of Our Lady of Częstochowa with Rainbow Halo Scattered around Płock Church

April 26, 2019, Poland

On the morning of April 27th, parishioners noticed posters of Our Lady of Częstochowa (a sacred image of the Virgin Mary and Child) scattered around the church of St. Maksymilian Kolbe with rainbows replacing the golden halos. The posters were found around litter bins and portable toilets. The spokesman for the Polish Bishops Conference denounced the act and asked for people "regardless of beliefs and personal views, to respect the religious feelings of believers." The incident was also harshly criticized by the Interior Ministry. There were three suspects identified and they will go on trial in November 2020.

Nativity Scene of Villassar de Mar Attacked and Destroyed

December 25, 2018, Spain

On the 25th December, a nativity scene in the municipality of Vilassar de Mar was found destroyed by vandals. The Catholic Tabarnia Twitter account posted a video showing the Baby Jesus with broken arms, a painting on the Virgin Mary, and damage to St. Joseph, the mule, the ox and the shepherds.

Olárizu Cross Attacked And Significantly Damaged

December 20, 2018, Spain

The Olárizu Victorian Cross was seriously damaged after being attacked by a group of unknown people during the night to 20th December. The vandals used a radial attached to some ropes to knock the cross down from the base. There was also a video of the vandals trying to cut the base of the cross. They destroyed the concrete formwork with a hammer and cut the irons. The police and the fire department went to assess the significant damage.

22 Statues on the Avenue of Saints Destroyed

November 25, 2018, Poland

Just three weeks after the the new "Avenue of Saints" in front of the Matki Bożej Śnieżnej Church in Zarzecze was unveiled, 22 of the 23 statues were broken by vandals on November 25th. Only the figure of St. Paul was unharmed. The figures in the Avenue of Saints were dedicated on November 11th on the 100th anniversary of regaining independence by Poland "as an expression of gratitude and an invitation to the saints to our future and our nation," said parish priest Jan Rokosz. 

Statues of Saints and the Virgin Mary Smashed, Decapitated, and Stolen in Ticino

October 10, 2018, Switzerland

Since Easter, there have been eight attacks against statues of female saints and the Virgin Mary in the southern canton of Ticino.

Cross Torn Down in Lesvos

October 7, 2018, Greece

A huge cement cross erected over a beach in honor of people who have drowned there was torn down by unknown perpetrators during the night of October 7th. The NGO "Coexistence and Communication in the Aegean" had previously called the cross "offensive" to non-Christian migrants, a symbol of "racism and intolerance," and claimed that it had been placed above the beach to prevent refugees and migrants from swimming there. Local residents reacted with dismay and discussed re-building it.

Statue of Virgin Mary and Child Decapitated in Noirmoutier

August 19, 2018, France

During the night of the 18th to 19th of August, the 3.5 meter public statue of the Virgin Mary and Child was decapitated. Residents were shocked and searched the nearby forest for the missing heads but found nothing. Parishioners were dismayed, as the statue has stood in the community since 1949. The priest, who called the incident violent and shocking, filed a complaint with the police.

Christ Figure on Crucifix Destroyed

April 15, 2018, Germany

During the weekend of April 14th-15th, unknown persons severely damaged the Christ figure on the Rottmann-Wegekreuz am Reckelsberg.

Court Ruled 2015 Desecration of Cemetery was "Anti-Christian" Attack

March 29, 2018, France

On March 29th, the Court of Appeals in Toulouse ruled that Mohamed B., who desecrated and vandalized 215 graves, knocked down and broke crosses and other Christian symbols in a cemetery in Castres in 2015, was civilly liable for the religiously-motivated act. He had been found not criminally responsible due to mental illness, but on appeal, the court found him personally liable for compensation to AGRIF (Alliance générale contre le racisme et pour le respect de l'identité française et chrétienne).

Woman Fined for Projecting Cross on Church Facade

March 18, 2018, Spain

A woman in the community of Callosa de Segura was sanctioned 100 euros per day for projecting the image of a cross on the wall of the church of San Martin.

Acts of Vandalism in a Cemetery in Ardèche

March 17, 2018, France

On March 17th, locals discovered that 18 graves in the Saint-Romain-d'Ay cemetery had been vandalized, with crosses broken. Complaints were filed and the police began an investigation.

Statue of Virgin Mary in Champagnat Stolen

March 7, 2018, France

The statue of Virgin Mary in an oratory in Champagnat was torn from its base and stolen on the eve of International Women's Day. An explanatory note was left by the vandals, saying that Mary did not want to remain behind an iron gate, surrounded by plastic flowers and peeling paint, but wished to "withdraw to meditate on the state of the sacred feminine" and that she would return.

Alpes-Maritimes: Mission Cross vandalized in Grasse

February 18, 2018, France

On the morning of February 18th, municipal services workers discovered that the "Mission Cross" in Grasse had been vandalized during the night. The nearly 500 kg wrought iron cross was bent and the pedestal was deliberately moved into the roadway. The cross, dating from 1894, had been completely renovated by Jean-Marie Rouvier, of the Compagnons du Patrimoine en Pays de Grasse, in June 2016. Mayor Jérôme Viaud condemned the vandalism and launched a police investigation.