All cases

Desecration of University Chapel in Santiago de Compostela

June 12, 2020, Spain

The chapel of USC (University of Santiago de Compostela) in the South Campus of Santiago was vandalized on July 12th, which led to much damage and the desecration of consecrated hosts. The police are investigating the case.

Theft and Desecration of the Eucharist in Molfetta

June 11, 2020, Italy

The parish priest of San Gennaro in Molfetta, Don Sergio Vitulano, reported that on the morning of June 12th he had noticed the number of consecrated hosts was significantly reduced compared to those placed in the ciborium during the Mass of the previous day. He also reported finding a consecrated host on the ground. The security camera footage revealed that a recognizable woman, observed in the area in the previous days, had entered the church and had taken numerous consecrated Hosts from the tabernacle by hurriedly putting them in her pocket and leaving the church.

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.

Hildburghäuser Church Set on Fire

May 31, 2020, Germany

A child set fire to 47 sites in the cycle path and pilgrim of St. Wigbert church in Häselrieth. Twenty-five emergency personnel of the fire brigade quickly extinguished the fire.

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.

Repeated Vandalism of The Figure of Jesus

May 24, 2020, Spain

The figure of Jesus in Andujar was vandalized several times. This already happened in 2013, 2017, and in 2019, where it was completely destroyed. In May 2020, it was finally restored by two artists.

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.

Hate Crime Against St. Mary Catholic Church Church

May 15, 2020, United Kingdom

On the night of Friday 15th to Saturday, St. Mary Catholic Church in Ahoghill was attacked with paint thrown in front of the church and across the door. The police is treating the incident as a hate crime.

Several Desecrated Churches on The Island of Lesbos

May 7, 2020, Greece

Several cases of extreme desecration and vandalization of Greek orthodox Churches have been reported in the last months between March and September 2020, mostly in Moria and the vicinity. These churches include the Church of the Virgin Mary of Tsiradou, The Church of Saint Raphael, The Church of Saint Catherine and the Church of Saint George. The Government of Hungary has given 30 000 Euros to restore the churches on the island of Lesbos.

Desecration and Suspected Theft in Saint-Antoine Chapel in Bourg-en-Bresse

May 6, 2020, France

In the night of May 6 to 7 during the confinement, unknown perpetrators broke into the Saint-Antoine chapel in Bourg-en-Bresse. The parish priest found consecrated hosts scattered across the floor on the following morning. It was suspected that at least one chalice had been stolen as well.

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.

Cemetery Devastated Several Times in Martinique

May 5, 2020, France

The days before 5th May, the Riviere-Salée cemetery was repeatedly devastated by unknown vandals. Several vaults were damaged, the locks were forced, the doors were displaced, and the flowers were overturned. There were also bottles and garbage on the ground. The fence surrounding the cemetery was gaping. Therefore, there is a high probability that the perpetrators came during the night. The police are investigating.

Arson with Gasoline at Village Church Caused Serious Damage

May 3, 2020, France

In the village Marais-la-Chapelle, during the night of 2nd to 3rd May, an arson attack took place in the entrance of the Church. The firefighters were called by a resident. There were traces of fuel detected in the findings. The oak door was destroyed and the flower pots melted, the interior of the church was blackened by the smoke, and the electrical structure was damaged.

Burglary at the Secours Catholique in Vallée-du-Tir

May 2, 2020, France

In New Caledonia, the Headquarters of the Charity of catholic organization Secours Catholique, was raided during the weekend of 2. and 3. May. The thieves broke down the doors, smashed the walls and ceiling. They stole computers, food and clothing. The attack destroyed 10 years of the association's work. The organization's headquarters were also ransacked for the first time in September 2019.

Crimes Against Churches in Austria

May 2, 2020, Austria

The recent attack in December to Church St. Andrä in Graz brought questions about the hostility towards churches in Austria. The Minister of the Interior, Karl Nehammer, affirmed that between 2015 to 2019, 4657 crimes have been committed against religious buildings in Austria. In Styria alone, there have been 608 cases of attacks against churches.

Vandalism and Graffiti on Church and Chapel

April 28, 2020, Germany

On 28th April, the area around the Chapel of our Lady and the Church of the Holy Spirit were devastated by vandals in Landstuhl. The wooden fence was trampled down and the flowers were torn out. The inscription "187" was left there. The outer wall of the church was smeared. The police investigations are ongoing, but so far, there are no references to the incidents.

Vandalism on Parish House And Urination on the Church of Omegna

April 17, 2020, Italy

On the 17th April, an 22-year-old vandal smeared the walls of the parish house in Omegna. On April 18th, the parishioners found urine in the confessional of the parish church, where a man was seen entering by witnesses. The police started investigating both cases, and identified the man through the surveillance cameras. He was responsible for both acts.

Vandalism in Church St. Nicholas

April 13, 2020, Italy

On 14th April, the Church St. Nicholas and the Children's playground were found vandalized. The religious newspapers were thrown were thrown away and the slide of the playground was smashed. Mayor asked for witnesses to contact the police and expressed his rejection to this act. The police are investigating.

Vandalism and Theft in Saint-Laurent Church in Lambezellec During the Lockdown

April 5, 2020, France

On Sunday 5th April, Father Jean Baptiste Gless noted the degradation and theft at the Church Saint-Laurent of Lambezellec in Brest. The candlesticks and candles were overturned and the lamp of the tabernacle was stolen. The parish priest refuses to close the doors of the church due to the degradation, because he says the perpetrators shall not win, he always leaves the door open in the morning, so that people can meditate and pray. During the Lockdown, the priest also prayed for the people of the town, and he hung a sign on the facade saying "Take care of you all, we pray for you".

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.

Church and Oratory Vandalized and Desecrated In Two Consecutive Days

March 24, 2020, Italy

On the 24th March, the ancient precious monstrance and a chalice were stolen from the local church in Ariano. The thieves attacked the religious building by smashing the windows and doors, overturning the crucifix and throwing consecrated hosts on the floor. The unknown perpetrators broke in through the side entrance after failing to use the main entrance. The community of Crociara was in shock after this incident. On the next day 25th March, the municipality of Corbola was also attacked, the sports field was damaged and the Oratory of Corbola was raided. The scene was similar as in Crociara, the windows and doors were broken and burglary took place.

Dąbrowa Górnicza Church Desecrated

March 21, 2020, Poland

On March 21stM a drunk 41-year-old man broke into the church of Dąbrowa Górnicza and profaned the historic altars of Our Lady of the Angels. The man was stopped by priests and put under arrest by the police.

Burglary In Catholic Sacristy in Reichenbach-Steegen

March 21, 2020, Germany

Between Saturday 21th evening and Monday 30th morning unknown thieves stole cash and chalices from the sacristy of the Catholic church in Reichenbach-Steegen. The chalices are sacred and used for holding religious services. The police are investigating and searching for witnesses.

All Saints Church Vandalised

March 18, 2020, United Kingdom

Between 4:00 pm on Wednesday and 8.20 am on Thursday, an unknown perpetrator broke into the popular All Saints Church and damaged the interior. Crockery was broken, a leaflet table was turned over, and bandages from a first-aid box were laying all over the floor.

Armenian Genocide Memorial Desecrated

March 15, 2020, France

The Armenian Genocide Memorial in Lyon, consisting of 36 columns with inscriptions of poems from Gostan Zarian, was vandalized with anarchist and anti-Macron slogans. The monument is in memory of the 500 000 Armenians who were murdered by the "Young Turks" government. This criminal act is a serious offense against the victims and the humanity. The Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations in France called for a surveillance system to prevent any recurrence. The police are investigating and looking for the perpetrators.

Vandalism and Arson In Acquate Church

March 13, 2020, Italy

On March the 14th, the glass of the front door of the church of Acquate in Italy was found broken and the wooden part burned. The perpetrators also knocked an information pillar for tourists on the churchyard over.

Vandalism in the Basilica of Saint-Gervais in Avranches

March 8, 2020, France

On March 8, an unknown perpetrator used one of the church's candelabra to hit the marble altar and a statue in the Basilica of Saint-Gervais in Avranches. The municipal officers took charge of the reparations.

Tibidabo Church and Other Churches in Barcelona Vandalized on March 8th by Radical Feminists

March 8, 2020, Spain

The Church of Tibidabo was targeted by radical feminists on the 8th of March. Other churches vandalized on this day were the Sagrada Familia and Saint Agnes, among others. There were phrases displayed against Christians, stating that Christian values are oppressive and blasphemies about the Virgin Mary.

Profanation and Theft in Saint-Gault Church

March 4, 2020, France

In the beginning of March 2020 the church Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais in Quelaines-Saint-Gault became a target of desecration and theft. The tabernacle was opened and the ciborium with the consecrated hosts was stolen. A Mass of reparation was celebrated on March 7th. The police took fingerprints and are searching for witnesses.

Three Arson Attempts in Church in Germany

March 3, 2020, Germany

On March 3rd between 2:00 and 4 pm, a girl and a boy of 14 and 15 years old committed attempted arson in the Maria Magdalena church in Goch. They tried to start three fires: one in the small chapel with a candlestick, another one to a stand for prayer books in the nave and the last one at the back of the high altar. All three fires failed and the crime has been recorded on surveillance cameras, the 15-year-old admitted the act of vandalism.

German Church Closed Outside Services Due To Vandalism

March 2, 2020, Germany

Due to several weeks of vandalism and misuse, demonstrated by, for example, red wine stains found between pews in the church of Saint Gallus in Rangendingen, the parish will only be open during church services. Also, food remains and broken glass were found in front of the Church door. Not only the Church was victim of vandalism, the mortuary in the cemetery was also targeted. Similar incidents have also happened in the neighbouring city Steinhofen. Anyone who has made observations about the incidents should contact the parish office, Father Artur Schreiber, phone 07476/ 13 32, or any police department.

Two Consecutive Profanations Of The Church Of Ennezat

March 2, 2020, France

In the last days, the church of Ennezat (Puy-de-Dôme) was profaned twice. On March 2nd and the week before, prayer books have been gathered in a corner and set on fire, luckily the damage to the church caused by the fire was not severe. Furthermore, candles were broken, fire extinguisher were damaged and the pampas grass contained in a jar was stolen. The church is closed until further notice. The police are investigating.

A Group of Vandals Attacked the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George

March 2, 2020, Greece

On 2nd March, the small church of Saint George near the village of Moria on the Island of Lesbos was vandalized by unknown perpetrators. Some locals blamed a group of migrants that live at the nearby camp, claiming that it happened when the police prevented a march of migrants demanding to be transferred to Athens. The perpetrators destroyed icons and furniture. According to the locals, the church has been vandalized several times.

Trémorel Church Vandalized

March 1, 2020, France

During the night from March 1st to March 2nd, someone broke into and vandalized the church of Trémorel (Côtes-d'Armor). The tabernacle was destroyed and the consecrated hosts were found scattered on the ground.

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 Theresienfeld Church

February 29, 2020, Austria

On Saturday 29th, all candles in the church of Theresienfeld were found lit, the altar was covered in food remains, and cigarettes and paper was burned at the entrance of the church. The park bench at the nearby bus stop was also set on fire.

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.

Theft and Desecration of Tabernacle in St. Michael Church

February 26, 2020, Germany

During the night between February 26th and 27th unknown perpetrators broke into the church Saint Michael in Vöhringen, damaged several doors, opened the tabernacle by force and stole two ciboria filled with consecrated hosts. The financial damage amounts to 20,000 euros and the religious loss is incalculable.

Arson in Gottsunda Church

February 25, 2020, Sweden

On the 25th February, the facade of the Gottsunda Church in Uppsala was set on fire. The fire is suspected to have been provoked. The police patrol discovered the fire, because the flames were several meters high and they called the rescue services. The church was made of wooden, so it took several damages to the facade and the inside. The fire looks like it was intended and the police is investigating a suspicious car which was captured by the cameras. No suspects have been arrested.

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.

Degradation of St. John Bosco Church

February 23, 2020, France

Unknown vandals damaged the church of St. John Bosco on 23 February. Father Sébastien Petitjean, the parish preist,  and Daniel Latta, president of the factory council, visited the site. "We believe that these acts were committed during the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, or even the night before. The damage was done with violence because the stained glass is thick, armed with a metal structure," said the president. Gabriel Muller asked the technical services workers to intervene immediately. "Repairs are underway to restore the church to its original function. We have asked the municipal police and the gendarmerie to investigate. The installed cameras will probably talk. » The investigation is still ongoing.

Charente-Maritime: the Church of Port-d'Envaux desecrated, vandalized, and looted

February 22, 2020, France

Parishioners discovered vandalism, desecration, and theft in the Saint-Saturnin-de-Séchaud church in Port d'Envaux on February 22nd. They found the door of the sacristy broken, the door of the tabernacle forced open, consecrated hosts stolen, and the altar of the Virgin Mary damaged. All objects of value were stolen from the sacristy.

Four Young Women Vandalized Church; Set Fire to the Altar

February 20, 2020, Spain

National Police reviewed the security cameras of the church of San Pedro de La Felguera to try to locate the four young women who caused at least 600 euros in damage inside the church on February 20th. Video recordings revealed that the young women entered the church, used and stole two of the microphones, sat on the altar, burned candles and set fire to books and the altar cloth.

Santa Croce Church Set on Fire

February 20, 2020, Italy

In the church of Santa Croce in Abbadia San Salvatore a fire took place in the chapel of the Sacred Heart (left wing of the building), which was put out by the caretaker of the religious building. The confused woman, who has a history with drug addiction, slammed a crucifix to the ground, turned the pews upside down before starting the fire. She was caught and taken to the hospital for necessary treatment.

The Church Of Mortagne-Au-Perche Desecrated

February 17, 2020, France

On February 17th, the tabernacle in the church of Notre-Dame de Mortagne-au-Perche has been found fractured and the ciborium has been emptied and broken. Since then, the church is closed to the public.

Saint-Dié Cathedral soiled with Excrement

February 16, 2020, France

On February 16th, spilled candles, arson attack, and smeared excrement were found by the sacristan in the Saint-Dié cathedral in the Vosges. The parish priest filled a complaint to the police. The city has assigned police officers to monitor the Cathedral.

Burglary from Church Discovered during Funeral

February 13, 2020, France

The people who opened the Église Saint-Symphorien in Valvignères on February 13th for a funeral discovered signs of a burglary. Evidence of a break-in were found at one of the access doors, and several objects were missing: two chalices, two patens, a monstrance, two ciboriums, two cruets, two holy water fonts, and a baccarat crystal chandelier of significant size and weight. It appeared that the intruders also tried break into the sacristy and forced the door of the tabernacle with a crowbar. It was unclear from reports whether consecrated hosts were stolen.

29-Year-Old Man Confessed to Damaging Roadside Shrines

February 12, 2020, Poland

A 29-year-old man who confessed to damaging roadside shrines in Jacinki, Kościernica and Szczeglino between February 12th and 13th faces up to two years in prison. "He confessed to committing these acts. He couldn't explain why he destroyed the shrines," the press officer of the Koszalin police said, noting that statues of the Virgin Mary were destroyed and crosses were broken.

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.

Satanic Symbol Painted on Church Wall in Innsbruck

February 4, 2020, Austria

On the night between 3 and 4 February, the wall of the church Petrus Canisius in Innsbruck was smeared with graffiti by an unknown person, showing a symbol of the "Church of Satan". The police is asking the public for useful information to identify the perpetrator.

A Church Defaced With Anti-Clerical Tags

February 3, 2020, France

On Monday February 3rd, the church of Saint-François de Paule in Toulouse, was defaced with anarchist and anti-clerical tags. The vandals smeared the façade of the church with graffiti that contained slogans such as "The only church that illuminates is the one that burns" and "ACAB." The police opened an investigation.

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.

Desecration of Tabernacle and Theft in Carrión de los Céspedes

January 29, 2020, Spain

Just two days after the desecration and theft from the chapel of the Clinical Hospital of Valencia, a group of thieves attacked the parish of Carrión de los Céspedes in Seville, stealing several religious objects and the gold crowns of the two figures of the Virgin of the Rosary and the Child Jesus that were prepared for a procession on February 1st for the 400th anniversary of the Brotherhood of the Rosary of Carrión.

Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Chapel Moments Before Mass

January 26, 2020, Spain

On January 26th, moments before the celebration of the evening Mass, unknown perpetrators removed the monstrance holding the consecrated host, a pyx (a small round container holding a consecrated host), and a ciborium with fifty consecrated hosts inside from the tabernacle of the Chapel of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia. The monstrance was later found in the chapel's confessional and dozens of consecrated hosts were discovered scattered on the street.

Sacred Objects Stolen From Holy Cross Church in Lana

January 24, 2020, Italy

On Friday 24 January, thieves raided the Holy Cross Church in Lana taking several sacred objects from the sacristy. The parish estimates the damage to be several thousand Euros.

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 Virgin Mary and Roadside Crucifix Destroyed in Southern Poland

January 17, 2020, Poland

Between January 16th and 18th, unidentified perpetrators destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary in a church in Ściegny and then in Wojanów, a roadside crucifix and figures of angels standing around the cross were destroyed beyond repair.

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.

Church in Milltown Co Kildare Ransacked and Tabernacle Stolen

January 11, 2020, Ireland

On January 11th, it was discovered that unknown perpetrators had broken into St Brigid's Church in Milltown, county Kildare, and stole the tabernacle, containing the ciborium with Communion hosts, as well as the sacristy safe and a candle shrine. The tabernacle was later found by the police in a nearby field.

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.

Extensive Damage to Church in Jühnsdorf

January 11, 2020, Germany

On the 11th January, unknown persons broke into the church of Jühnsdorf and stole a large metal cross, smashed a window, and damaged the organ. The church had been recently restored by the parish community.

Nine Statues of the Virgin Mary Attacked in Less than Four Hours in Pyrenees

January 9, 2020, France

On the morning of January 9th, in the space of 45 minutes, five statues of the Virgin Mary, located in three different churches of Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques): Saint-Martin, Saint-Jacques and Notre-Dame, were destroyed. Similar vandalism continued in the churches of the Béarn communes of Lons, Artix, Denguin, and Mourenx, where, each time, a statue of the Virgin was destroyed. A 35-year-old man, described as homeless, was arrested in Mourenx at the end of the day and sent for psychiatric evaluation.

Graffiti on Walls and Door of San Giovannello Church in Campobasso

January 4, 2020, Italy

On the 5th January 2020, some vandals defaced the small sixteenth-century church of of San Giovannello located in the north of Campobasso. Writings, scribbles and profanity were made with a spray can. The area is often subjected with acts of vandalism and abandonment of syringes. The neighbourhood Committee San Giovannello asked for the placement of video surveillance cameras.

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.

Theft of Stola and repeated Contamination of Confessional in Church of Alzenau-Hörstein

January 0, 2020, Germany

In the church "Mariä Himmelfahrt" in Alzenau-Hörstein, faeces were repeatedly left in the confessional; in addition, a stole was stolen. The suspected perpetrator was caught by chance during a traffic control.

Cemetery Vandalized; Crosses Smashed

December 22, 2019, Belgium

More than a dozen graves at the cemetery next to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Villeroux were vandalized during the night between December 21st and 22nd. Gravestones were knocked over and crosses were smashed.

Vandals in Action in the Cemetery of Salerno

December 8, 2019, Italy

Unidentified vandals looted some tombstones and graves, in the Cemetery of Salerno. They stole flower boxes, frames, and metal writings on the tombs. It was not the first time the cemetery was the target of vandalism, for which the institutions in charge demand more control of the premises.

Our Lady's Temple Destroyed

December 4, 2019, Spain

During the night, the small temple, the known as Our Lady of Carmen girl in Almeria, has dawned looted and partially destroyed. The carving of Jesus as a child was stolen, the picture was damaged, and the pedestal had breaks.

Anarchist Tags on Saint Pierre Church

November 27, 2019, France

On November 27th the anarchist acronym "ACAB", which stands for All Cops Are Bastards (all cops are bastards) was sprayed on the wall of the Saint Pierre Church in Mordelles. The tag measured 3 by 1 meters and was erased by the municipal services of the commune of Mordelles.

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.

Italian Church Thief Urinated on Altar

November 16, 2019, Italy

On the afternoon of November 16th, an unidentified man entered the Trasfigurazione del Signor church in Scorrano while it was empty and stole money from the donation box and a golden necklace from around the neck of a statue of the Virgin Mary. Before leaving the church, he urinated on the altar underneath the crucifix. The incident was captured on video and police are investigating the identity of the individual.

Christ Figure Burnt in Holy Sepulcher Chapel

November 14, 2019, Spain

On morning of November 14th, the hermitage of the Holy Sepulcher in Tauste (Zaragoza) was discovered vandalized and the life-sized statue of the Nazarene Christ burnt. The custodian of the hermitage, Juan Francés, found the remains of a fire when he opened the hermitage and found "everything lying on the ground and on fire.” The city council of Tauste condemned the attack on the hermitage “It was an attack on a religious and cultural symbol of our people. It is not a simple act of vandalism.”

Charente-Maritime: Desecration at the Church of Tonnay-Charente

November 11, 2019, France

The church of Saint-Etienne in Tonnay-Charente was desecrated on November 11th. According to the Bishopric of La Rochelle, the cross of Christ was overturned, the tabernacle was broken, the hosts were scattered on the ground, the lunula containing a host for worship was stolen. The Bishop denounced "the deliberate desire to undermine the integrity of the consecrated hosts."

Nuns at Carmelite Convent in Ireland Verbally Abused by Intruders; Chapel Desecrated

November 11, 2019, Ireland

Intruders broke into the Star of the Sea Carmelite Nuns monastery in Malahide in the early afternoon of November 11th and verbally abused the elderly resident sisters, sprayed and smeared the walls of convent's chapel with graffiti.

Rocks thrown through Stained Glass Window of Worcester Church

November 11, 2019, United Kingdom

11-12 November 2019. Church Warden left "in tears" after rocks damaged historic details of multiple windows at St Thomas' Church, Worcester.

Arson and Destruction at Churches on Chios

November 10, 2019, Greece

Over the weekend of November 9-10, unidentified vandals broke windows and set the Agia Trapeza (altar) on fire, burning sacred items, in the Agios Haralambos Church. According to reports, this was the third church vandalized in Chalkios on the island of Chios within a week. In the Church of Panagia, a window was smashed and oil and candles were stolen and a fire was set in the Church of Agios Petros and Pavlos.

'Battering Ram' Night-Raid Robbery at French Cathedral

November 4, 2019, France

A car fitted with a battering ram was driven into the door of the Cathedral Sainte-Marie d'Oloron in southwestern France on November 4th. Once inside the cathedral, thieves entered the chapel and sawed the iron bars protecting sacred and liturgical items. They stole chalices, ciboria, a centuries old nativity scene, and vestments used by the priest for the Mass. Authorities characterized the theft as organized and well-planned.

Inflated Condoms and Vandalism in Saint-Vaast Church in Béthune

November 1, 2019, France

On November 1st, unknown perpetrators vandalised the Saint-Vaast church in Béthune. The Vandals knocked over chairs and inflated condoms. The city will file a complaint and the police are investigating.

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.

Parish Church Cemetery Vandalized in Zabrzu-Helence

October 27, 2019, Poland

More than 40 graves were vandalized in the cemetery of the Our Lady Mother of the Church (Maryi Panny Matki Kościoła) parish of Zabrzu-Helence during the night between October 26 and 27, just days before Catholics observe All Saints' and All Souls' Days. Granite tombstones were torn down and broken, and wooden crosses were destroyed by unknown vandals.

Córdoba Church Broken into; Consecrated Hosts Scattered on Altar

October 5, 2019, Spain

Before dawn on October 5th, one or more intruders entered the 18th century Chapel of La Rosa in the Córdoba provincial town of Montilla through a side door. Once inside, they found the keys to the tabernacle, opened the pyx inside and scattered several hosts on the altar, according to the Rev. José Félix García, pastor of the parish of Santiago, to which the chapel belongs. Police opened an investigation.

Vandals Desecrated the Chapel of Rosa de Montilla

October 5, 2019, Spain

On Saturday morning, one or more individuals entered the Chapel of the Rose in Montilla and desecrated it by spreading the sacred hosts on top of the altar. The case was reported to the police as a crime against religious feelings. The perpetrators entered through a side door, without needing to use the force, then they took the key of the tabernacle and spread the hosts from the ciborium.

Anti-Catholic Graffiti on Church of San Miguel de Fuencarral

September 27, 2019, Spain

On 27. September, the Church of San Miguel de Fuencarral was found spray-painted with anti-Catholic graffiti. In red paint the vandals wrote "Murderers", "Nazis", "Blood Stained", "Fascists" and threatened of burning the church. The police was notified.

Church Desecrated with Satanic Tags in Giroussens

September 3, 2019, France

A secluded church in Giroussens was discovered vandalized with blue graffiti including an inverted cross on the front of the altar. Other images found in Notre-Dame-de-Sept-Fages included goat with horns, an inverted pentagram, and the message behind the altar: "Here an army is born." The mayor expressed anger and filed a police complaint

Christian Youth Center Vandalized

September 2, 2019, Italy

On Sunday morning, the plants were found married and the closets open in the church of St. Fatima. In the kitchen of the Youth Center, food and dishes were thrown on the ground and the pantries were looted and the whole place was left dirty. The police are running an investigation.

Church Equipped With Security Cameras Following Desecration

August 28, 2019, Italy

On the 28th August, the Mayor Massimo Paolini announced the installation of surveillance cameras in the Church of Our Lady of the Arc to control security and prevent vandalism, which has been targeting the church in the past months, including trashing and graffiti with satanic motives.

Youth 'defecates in Spanish church, smears feces on statue, walls'

August 21, 2019, Spain

Police announced on August 21st that an 18-year-old man would be charged with defecating in a shrine to the Virgin Mary and then smearing his feces on a statue of Christ and on the walls of the church, Spanish news agencies report. The incident, caught on CCTV, took place on July 26 at the Santuario de la Virgen de la Fuensanta in the Jaén provincial town of Villanueva del Arzobispo.

Theft and Desecration at Oise Parish

August 9, 2019, France

The church of Saint-Éloi (parish of the Bienheureuses-Carmélites-de-Compiègne, diocese of Compiegne, Oise) was robbed, vandalized, and desecrated between the 3rd and 9th of August. Sound equipment, a ciborium, an aspergillum (a liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water), holy water font, and other liturgical objects were stolen. The burglars forced open the tabernacle to steal the ciborium and stole consecrated hosts, as well. "The most essential thing for us is that the tabernacle was forced, and that the Blessed Sacrament, the presence of Christ was touched, stolen. Which is for us a desecration. The real presence of Christ has been stolen. It's something strong," said the communications director of the Oise diocese.

Major Thefts and Damage at Marquette-lez-Lille Cemetery

August 7, 2019, France

In Marq-Lambersart on the Weekend of 3rd August, around 225 graves were robbed at the Marquette-Lez-Lille Cemetery. The unknown perpetrators attacked the bronze vases, which were unsealed and stole the bronze crosses from the graves. Also, some graves were damaged.

Medieval Norfolk Church Torched by Arson

July 12, 2019, United Kingdom

On July 12th, firefighters were called to a fire at St. Margaret's Ruined Church in Hopton after a motorbike was set on fire underneath the 13th century building. While the incident was ruled an arson by officials, the investigation was closed in October due to lack of evidence.

Repeated Vandalism and Thefts in the Parish Church of Mainz

July 12, 2019, Germany

The parish church in Ingelheim has repeatedly been the target of severe vandalism, as reported on the 12th of July 2019. The acts included cigarette ash in the confessional, holy water basins filled with urine, candles lighted on the altar. The church was closed because of this abuse.

Four Arson Attacks Against Four Churches in East London

June 19, 2019, United Kingdom

Around the 19th June, four arson attacks occurred in East London. On the 18th of June, the front door of the St. John's Church was set on fire. On the 19th June, the Baptist Church in Leytonstone has been attacked. In a Church in Ramsay Road was the same scene as in the Baptist Church at night of the same day, the church had two arson attacks and was severely damaged. On the 20th June, the police were called to a fire in St Matthew's Church, West Ham. On each church, graffiti was found on the main door with occult symbols and messages including pentagrams, spirals, the number 666 and the word "hell”. On June 25th, a 27-year-old was arrested for suspicion of the arson along with other criminal acts.

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.

Vandals Burned Bible and Song Book; Left Feces in Church

May 31, 2019, Germany

On May 31st, the Lutheran Nikolaikirche in Caldern was the target of vandals. Sometime between 8:30 am and 1:30 pm, unknown perpetrators entered the church, set fire to the bible and hymn book on the altar, and damaged three large candles. They also broke into a cabinet and a chest, but stole nothing. Finally, they left a pile of feces at the church entrance and another on a bench outside the church. Property damage amounted to approximately 300 euros and it is not yet clear how the perpetrators accessed the church. For the time being, the church will stay closed while investigations are ongoing.

Crucifixes Targeted at Cemetery in Montpellier

May 29, 2019, France

During the night of May 29th to 30th, twelve graves were vandalized in the cemetery Celleneuve in Montpellier (Hérault department). The perpetrators appeared to have specifically targeted crucifixes. The police closed the cemetery on the Ascension holiday to conduct an investigation. Titina Dasylva, deputy mayor in charge of security, expressed her outrage about the incident on Twitter.

Crucifix Destroyed in Płońsk

May 28, 2019, Poland

On May 28th, the Catholic Chapel of St. Padre Pio in Płońsk was the target of vandals who desecrated the chapel's crucifix by taking it off the wall and smashing it. According to the parish priest, a parishioner who came to pray in the chapel found the cross on the floor and the ceramic Jesus Christ statue from the cross broken into pieces. Police are investigating.

Vandals Burn Statue of Jesus in Großholbach Church

May 19, 2019, Germany

Police reported that unknown perpetrators broke in a church window with stones and invaded the interior of the church of the Heiligen Dreifaltigkeit in Großholbach (Westerwald in Rhineland-Palatinate) during the night of May 18th to 19th. Several sacred objects, including statues of saints, were broken. The Jesus figure was removed from the crucifix and burned. The intruders also urinated in the aisle and on several pews.