All cases

Seville Church the Victim of Burglary

January 24, 2016, Spain

Thieves have stolen three silver ciboria, chalices and the contents of collection boxes from the Corpus Christi church.

Cantal: Church Robbed of Ciborium and Consecrated Hosts

January 15, 2016, France

A theft occurred in the Church of Notre Dame de Quézac, sometime between Thursday, January 14th and Friday 15th. A ciborium, a gold sacred vase containing a hundred consecrated Hosts, was stolen from a tabernacle, a small wardrobe. The police have opened an investigation.

Arson and Desecration at Fontainebleau Church

January 10, 2016, France

The sixteenth century church Saint-Louis was entirely burnt out, images, including that of the baby Jesus, were desecrated, and the ciborium containing consecrated Hosts was stolen.

Seventh Cemetery in 18 Months Desecrated by Vandals

December 1, 2015, France

This time, thirteen crucifixes were torn from their graves and were thrown to the ground, broken, or planted upside down.

Second Ukrainian Orthodox Church Desecrated in Same Town

November 29, 2015, Other

A new church dedicated to Our Lady of Iveron, in the town of Rokitno in the Rovno region (Western Ukraine), was desecrated by vandals.

Spanish "Artist" Claims to Have 32 New Consecrated Hosts, Some Stolen by "Fans" during Reparation Mass

November 28, 2015, Spain

Abel Azcona announced he has 32 new consecrated Hosts stolen by fans who went to different Masses to get them.

Spanish Artist Stole and Desecrated over 200 Consecrated Hosts

November 23, 2015, Spain

As part of an exhibit, Abel Azcona placed the hosts on the ground in a public art gallery to form the word “Pederasty".

Church Used to Film Obscene and Offensive Video

November 23, 2015, France

A musical group called "Les Chrétiens des Alpes" (Christians of the Alps) filmed a YouTube video in the church of Saint-Étienne in Dingy-Saint-Clair, which portrays priests in a sexually vulgar manner.

Ukrainian Orthodox Church Plundered and Desecrated

November 22, 2015, Other

The perpetrators stole money from the cash register of the church, and lit fires in five different locations in the building.

Thieves Destroyed a Parish Church in Pajarillos, Spain

November 21, 2015, Spain

They stole a tabernacle, ciborium, chalices, patens, a candelabrum, and some of the sound equipment from the Church of San Ignatius of Loyola

Spanish Church Vandalized with Arabic Graffiti; Holy Objects Destroyed

November 2, 2015, Spain

The unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of our Lady of Carmen in the Spanish town of Rincon de la Victoria, Andalusia, smashed wooden statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus on the cross, and spray painted "Allah" on the wall.

Desecration at Baden-Baden "Autobahn" Church

October 23, 2015, Germany

The altar, tabernacle, and pews of the nationally-known church were desecrated by swastikas and other Nazi symbols carved into the wood, and acid poured onto the stone.

Serious Desecration and Theft at the Chapelle d’Effiat à Montrichard (Loir-et-Cher)

October 14, 2015, France

On the morning of October 14, the Tabernacle was forced open and the Ciborium containing ten consecrated Hosts was stolen.

French Chapel Sacked by Vandals

October 8, 2015, France

La Chapelle du Champ Fleuri in Masny, was the victim of desecration: The altar was overturned, the organ in pieces, Communion wafers littered the ground, a statue of the Virgin Mary, venerated by Catholics as the mother of Jesus, was decapitated, and liturgical vestments were burned

French Church Desecrated and Vandalised

October 4, 2015, France

Intruders into the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Blanzy damaged the Tabernacle by attempting to force open the door, damaged the organ, and set fire to the statue of the Virgin Mary.

French Church Desecrated

September 19, 2015, France

In the afternoon of Saturday, September 19, 2015, the church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul d’Habas (Landes) was badly vandalized. Various liturgical objects were desecrated: the altar was stained by food, crosses inverted, missals torn. The entire church was degraded with scattered flowers, candles, sheets of paper and posters torn. A complaint with the police was filed.

All Sacred Objects Stolen from French Chapel

September 18, 2015, France

A small chapel in Le Brethon, France, was robbed of all of its sacred objects during the week from Monday 14 to Friday, September 18. The few sacred objects it housed have all disappeared, namely, a processional cross, statuettes, votive offerings and all of the crosses. Additionally, a painting of Mary Magdalene, donated by an amateur painter was also stolen. Because of the isolated location of the chapel, and that it is always open to the public, officials have not been able to determine exactly when the theft occurred.

Burnt Confessional Investigated in L'Ile-Bouchard

September 18, 2015, France

A confessional in the church Saint-Gilles de L’Ile-Bouchard (France) was burned and the organ was damaged on the 18th of September.

French Church is Victim of Repeated Vandalism

September 16, 2015, France

L’église Saint-Martin in Sangatte, France is yet again a victim of vandalism. On September 16th, a volunteer at the Blanc-Nez Pentecostal parish returned to Saint-Martin to close the doors for the evening and immediately discovered smoke emerging from the church. She also noticed broken candles littering the ground and that small decorations were taken down. Thick smoke surrounded the altar of wood and marble, and it was apparent that the small fire could have easily spread to the wooden furniture and carpets, completely destroying the church.

Bremen Church the Victim of Burglary, Desecration and Vandalism

September 15, 2015, Germany

Unknown perpetrators broke into the St. Pius Church and stole the tabernacle with consecrated Hosts, offertory boxes, and sprayed fire extinguishing powder all over the inside of the church.

UK Burglars Urinate in Holy Water

September 10, 2015, United Kingdom

Burglars broke into a Sunderland church, smashed a window (causing more than £1,000 in damage) and used fire extinguishers to try to break down doors. Although nothing was stolen, someone urinated in the holy water font.

43 Graves in French Village Damaged and Vandalized

September 3, 2015, France

On the 3rd of September 2015, the destruction of 43 graves was discovered in the small French village of Montjavoult. Swastikas were spray-painted on 6 of them and crosses were broken off and left on the ground. Authorities have reason to believe that this act was political in nature, and not just the prank of drunk young people. The investigation is ongoing.

Two Men Arrested for Setting Fire to Lutheran Church in Sweden

September 1, 2015, Sweden

During the evening of the 26th of August, a Lutheran church Åmåls, Sweden was attacked by arsonists. The perpetrators used at least one Molotov cocktail to set fire to the building, and broke several windows in the church and the parish hall. The motive for the arson is unclear.

Orthodox Church Destroyed by the Albanian Authorities

August 26, 2015, Albania

On the 26th of August, local officials destroyed the Orthodox church St. Athanasius, which is located in the village of Dhermi, in southern Albania.

Broken and Desecrated Statue of the Virgin Mary in Reunion, France

August 23, 2015, France

A Statue of the Virgin Mary has been purposely destroyed, its chest impaled on a spit, and the other pieces of the statue were left in a plastic bag on the side of a road. This event happened next to the chapel Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix a few days before the 23rd of August. The sight of the destroyed statue has shocked locals, and drivers passing by haven't dared to disturb the broken pieces. No explanation yet has been given to this act of vandalism.

Attempted Arson in Chapel Saint-François of Rennes

August 14, 2015, France

The chapel Saint-François of Rennes was the victim of an attempted arson during night between August 13 and 14th.

40 Christian Tombs Desecrated in French Cemetery

August 3, 2015, France

On the 3rd of August, local policemen found that 40 graves had been desecrated in a cemetery in the town of Labry, in northeastern France. 35 funeral ornaments, mostly crucifixes and plaques were displaced, and 4 were broken.

Castres : Dozens of Christian Tombs Vandalized

April 15, 2015, France

The Saint-Roch cemetery in Castres (Tarn) was vandalized on 15th April, 2015. Dozens of tombs were ransacked, funerary objects systematically thrown to the ground.

Tomb Desecration during Easter in Lębork

April 5, 2015, Poland

During Easter, unknown perpetrators profanated buried corpses in tombs in the churchyard in Lębork in the district of Pomerania. The bones were taken from their coffins.

Series of Desecration and Thefts at Churches

February 8, 2015, France

Five French churches were the victims of theft, vandalism and desecration within three days at the hands of unknown perpetrators.

Desecration of Tabernacle in Chapel in Barbizon

January 10, 2015, France

An incident of desecration took place in the chapel of Barbizon, near Fontainebleau. Vandals broke open the door of the tabernacle, which is the place where the consecrated wine and host are kept. Both religious items, which carry significant meaning for Catholics, were thrown on the ground. Nothing was stolen.

Profanation and Devastation of Statue of Mary in Perugia

January 9, 2015, Italy

A statue of the Virgin Mary was vandalized by a group of North-African immigrants with a Muslim background, according to locals. The parish priest of St. Barnaba, Fr. Alessandro Scarda, recounted: “They broke the statue in two pieces, and they then kicked it as if it was a ball. Afterward, they urinated onto the pieces.” The people of the parish gathered the remains of the statue, cleaned and glued them. The small statue was put back at its original location. The parishioners have gathered to pray at the statue after the vandalism. The police are investigating to confirm the identity and the background of the perpetrators. Muslim organizations and public figures have condemned the act.

Desecration and Theft of the Church Notre-Dame-des-Marais in Montluel

January 8, 2015, France

Unknown perpetrators profanated a tabernacle. A chalice and consecrated hosts were stolen. Police was notified about the devastation, but the perpetrators remain unknown. The following Sunday morning Mass in the church had to be moved to the neighboring town of Dagneux. The Notre-Dame-des-Marais church had to be closed for five days.

Church in Aisne Vandalized and Desecrated

December 25, 2014, France

The Church of St. Hilary of Berry-au-Bac in Aisne was devastated by vandals. The perpetrators have not only stolen valuable things, but also vandalized, defiled and profaned holy items of the church, including the church's tabernacles. The vandals remain unknown.

Image of Virgin Mary Burnt in Cordoba

December 4, 2014, Spain

The image of Virgin Mary was completely destroyed by a fire in the chapel of San Sebastian Hospital in Palma del Rio. Evidence suggests that the fire was intentionally caused by arsonist, because nothing else got burnt. However, the mayor reminded people that it may have been the result of an unfortunate accident due to wiring. Many local faithful could not stop tears, because the image, an object of faithful adoration, was one of the oldest in Palma del Rio.

Sacrilegious Pictures Taken in a Church in Bilbao

June 10, 2014, Spain

The model posed for the photographer naked in the interior of the Bilbao church. Many local faithful found it blasphemous and repulsive for the Christian religion. The photographer came to the church without the parish priest’s permission. He claimed that he took the keys from his mother who is responsible for cleaning the church.

Left-Wing Local Government Removes Cherished Statue of Jesus

May 9, 2014, Spain

A statue of Jesus Christ was removed and damaged by the governing local left-wing Galician nationalist party BNG in San Sadurnino in La Coruna.

Church of Sacré-Cœur in Lourdes Attacked

March 27, 2014, France

“Robbers” entered the Church of Sacré-Cœur in Lourdes sometime during the night of March 27-28, 2014 and broke open the poor boxes. More importantly, they broke open the tabernacle and stole the ciborium with the consecrated hosts that it contained. The parish priest responded by organising a prayer session.

Church in Brie-Comte-Robert Robbed of Consecrated Hosts

March 11, 2014, France

Upon arriving at the church on a Monday morning, one of the priests in charge of serving the parish of Saint-Étienne discovered that the door to the chapel was open and the tabernacle had been robbed. The hosts that had been stolen were consecrated ones, considered by Catholics to be sacred. The tabernacle was the only thing robbed. Police rapidly intervened and dusted the area for fingerprints. The community reacted in a spiritual way, organising a prayer session.

European Femen Activist Rips Bible in Front of Texas State Capitol

March 8, 2014, International

Ukrainian citizen, French resident, Inna Shevchenko stood outside the Texas state Capitol in Austin to protest abortion laws on March 8th, 2014. She had “Your Bible doesn’t control my vagina” written across her bare chest as she tore out pages of a Bible.

Cross Desecrated in Rennes

February 24, 2014, France

A large cement monument of a cross was covered in graffiti during a left wing “Antifa” event on 8 February. It remained covered in graffiti for weeks despite services clearing up the city in preparation for another event. It seems that desecrated religious buildings and sites do not enjoy the same respect as other parts of the city.

Hate Incident Against Cardinal on Question of Abortion in Madrid

February 2, 2014, Spain

When Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco, Archbishop of Madrid and President of the Spanish bishops’ conference, was walking from his vehicle to enter the parish of Santos Justo y Pastor, on Palma street, Madrid, five Femen activists attacked him. With stained red underwear and naked chests they shouted “Abortion is sacred”. The Cardinal, escorted by priests managed to enter the parish but the shouting continued outside as they celebrated the Eucharist.

Desecration and Vandalism of Church in Charleville-Mézières

January 29, 2014, France

Dozens of candles were burned and destroyed, three chairs were broken and urine left by vandals in the church of Saint-Remi in Charleville-Mézières. Cans of beer were also left on the floor, curses were written on the guestbook. Obscene drawings were scribbled into the book of prayers.

Graffiti on Church of St. Augustine in Trani

December 30, 2013, Italy

The front of the Church of St. Augustine in Trani was splattered with paint and the stone lion in the courtyard of the church was spray painted.

Figure of Baby Jesus Destroyed in Ceranova

December 27, 2013, Italy

The figure of Baby Jesus in the manger which was part of a nativity scene in Ceranova was destroyed. The head and the fingers of one hand were broken off. The pieces of the manger and the figures of Mary and Joseph were carried inside to prevent further vandalism.

Naked Woman on Cologne's Cathedral Main Altar During Christmas Services

December 25, 2013, Germany

20-year-old Femen activist Josephine Witt jumped onto the altar of Cologne’s Catholic cathedral during Christmas services on December 25th. Her upper body naked and “I am God“ was written on her chest. Security staff removed her, and Cardinal Meisner continued the liturgy. Many people commented critically, saying that Ms Witt would have had other possibilities of voicing her opposition to the Church.

Graffiti on Faces of Saints in Church in Foggia

December 25, 2013, Italy

Satanic shapes and writings such as “Satan lives”, was painted on the faces of the saints and a statue of Mary in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Foggia.

Offensive Graffiti on Church in Imperia

November 25, 2013, Italy

The front of the Church of Artallo (fraction of Imperia) was desecrated with offensive graffiti.

Crucifixes Damaged in Churches in Prato

November 25, 2013, Italy

Crucifixes in both the Church of St. Bartholomew and the Church of San Pier Fiorelli in Prato were damaged. In the Church of St. Bartholomew, someone climbed on the structure before the crucifix and "shook it until he pulled both arms off, which were attached to the media." This crucifix had survived the bombing in 1944 unscathed, but not this deliberate violent act.

Two Madonna’s Damaged in Imperia

November 22, 2013, Italy

Two Madonna statues were beheaded in Imperia, and are irreparably damaged. One was located at the centre for the disabled in the square ISAH De Negri. The other was located in the sanctuary near the church of San Sebastiano Via Agnesi.

Video of Sexual Act with Cross Hurts Feelings of Believers

November 8, 2013, Poland

An exhibition in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Warsaw displayed a video "Veneration of Christ" in which the artist rubs himself in a blasphemous way against a crucifix, imitating a sexual relationship. The exhibition was showing from September to November 2013. The artist Jacek Markiewicz claims that it was not his wish to vilify any religious feelings. By his own statements he is a non-believer. Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz of Warsaw calls the video a "desecration of the Cross" that exceeds the boundaries of artistic expression and basic ethical standards".

Church Covered in Graffiti in Brescia

November 4, 2013, Italy

During a night raid the walls of the Church of Santa Maria Calchera in Brescia were covered with inscriptions in red paint. The whole length of the façade was covered.

Vandalism and Desecration at Church of Carmine in Ascoli

October 28, 2013, Italy

Vandals entered the Church of the Carmine in Ascoli using scaffolding positioned for restructuring. They removed some crucifixes, holy objects and candles. The walls and furniture were also covered in paint and at the end they tried to celebrate a black mass.

Graffiti on Church of Casorate Sempione

October 26, 2013, Italy

The outside walls of the church and churchyard were spray painted with white paint and with a number of sentences. One of these read: "most priests dead" (“più preti morti”). About a month before this happened, a symbol of "A" for anarchy was painted on the walls of the Caritas centre, and there have been acts of vandalism in the same church in the past.

Desecration of Madonna in Church in Paratico

July 24, 2013, Italy

In the church of Oasi Mamma dell'Amore in Paratico excrement and glass bottles were left at the statue of the Madonna.

Theft and Desecration in Church of Serravalle

July 23, 2013, Italy

Thieves broke into the church of Serravalle, stole items, and left excrement and urine beside the altar.

Provocative Graffiti on Church of St. Louis en l‘lle

July 21, 2013, France

Unidentified perpetrators spray painted the words: “Essayez les orgasmes” (Try Orgasms) on the church of St. Louis, France. The second phrase was “Omnia sunt Communia”, but written in a wrong way: “Ominia comminia“. It means "Everything in common" which is generally attributed to Thomas Munzer (1488-1527) a leader of the Peasants' War of 1525 in Germany.

Church and Graves Vandalised in Grandvilliers

June 13, 2013, France

The church and 37 tombs in the village of Grandvilliers were vandalised. The vandals stoned the stained-glass windows of the church and knocked over sepulchral items. They also damaged the signs of the tombs and displaced one tombstone.

Graffiti on Cathedral of Limoges

June 8, 2013, France

Suspected “Antifa”-left wing activists spray painted the words: “Canon Law = Sharia”. Next to the Church on a construction site fence you could read: “To Clement, who was killed by the brown pest.” This is an allusion to the left wing activist Clement Meric, who had been thrashed to death by a skinhead some days before, blaming the Church for the tragedy of Clement’s death.

Cathedral of Nantes Vandalised and Desecrated

June 8, 2013, France

Perpetrators found their way into the Cathedral and spray painted the altar, walls and floor with provoking symbols like 666 and Nazi slogans.

Graves Vandalised at in Crni Potok

May 5, 2013, Croatia

Unknown perpetrators vandalised an Orthodox cemetery in the village of Crni Potok, not far from Topusko. At this cemetery, 17 tombstones were damaged, numerous crosses were uprooted and parts of tombs were smashed. A criminal complaint was filed with the police for disturbing the peace of the deceased.

Church in Hauture in Fos-sur-Mer Vandalised

April 15, 2013, France

During the night from April 14th, 2013, a Church in Hauture in Fos-sur-Mer was broken into by vandals. They broke into a window to get inside the church. After forcing open the tabernacle and finding nothing inside they stole money from the donation box for the candles. They left the church after defecating onto the organ, using the altar cloth for wiping.

Graffiti and Desecration to Church in Caorso

April 1, 2013, Italy

In the night of Easter Sunday graffiti was spray painted in the churchyard of Santa Maria Assunta in Caorso. Drawings were made of satanic pentagrams with lots of red candles at both ends. A wafer was stuck on the door with the words "Animate vacuum" (empty soul).

Theft and Desecration in Church in Termoli

March 21, 2013, Italy

Two youth entered the Church of St. Timothy in Termoli. One pretended to pray and when they were left alone made profane and sacrilegious gestures before stealing wafers and other sacred objects from the tabernacle. The theft was carried out on March 21 which corresponds to the satanic calendar as the "Second night of Tregenda”.

Coffins Opened and Graves Desecrated

March 6, 2013, Croatia

Unknown perpetrator(s) damaged two graves and opened the coffins. The damage was detected by a member of the family of one of the deceased. At an old concrete tomb of an unknown owner, the tombstone was moved and the coffin was opened, and there was another case involving the desecration of an earthen grave. Some of the earth that had covered the coffin, which was apparently opened, had caved in. Around the grave were scattered bones. The incident was recorded by the police who performed an investigation.

Satanic Graffiti on Church in Urbino Duomo

February 17, 2013, Italy

Inverted crosses and 666 were found on two doors of the church. The three doors were dented as well, one whose neoclassical façade was rebuilt by Valadier in 1801, following a strong earthquake in 1789.

Polish Erasmus Student Arrested in Cadiz for Destroying a Crucifix

February 12, 2013, Spain

A twenty-four year old Polish Erasmus student in Cadiz was arrested after purportedly entering a church and throwing a crucifix to the ground, breaking the arms and legs off of the eighteenth century religious piece. A church official tried to detain the youth, but he escaped and was later apprehended by police to await trial.

Graffiti on Walls of Church in Vigasio

February 9, 2013, Italy

Two young girls entered the church and using black spray paint made a smiling devil who "hates the Vatican”, a slanderous stylized crucifix and wrote insults in English.

Reported Cases of Desecration to Graves in Italy

December 27, 2012, Italy

The Holy See reported cases of desecration of graves on the following dates in Italy in 2012: 19 March 2012 22 March 2012 19 April 2012 20 June 2012 19 September 2012 24 September 2012 28 November 2012

Reported Attacks Against Places of Worship in Italy

December 3, 2012, Italy

The Holy See reported attacks against places of worship in the following places in Italy 27 June 2012 Teramo 16 August 2012 Foggia 08 September 2012 Gonnosfanadiga in Sardegna 18 October 2012 Oristano 15 November 2012 Luino (in provincia di Varese) 29 November 2012 3 December 2012 S. Chiara (Venezia)

Desecration of Graves in Germany

November 29, 2012, Germany

Between July and November the Holy See reported cases of desecration to graves in the following places: ·27 July 2012 Herzberg ·26 October 2012 Duisburg (NRW) ·9 November 2012 Unterrath (Düsseldorf). ·13 November 2012 Güdesweiler (Saarland)

Desecration of Two Churches in Soissons

October 4, 2012, France

On October 4, two churches were broken into, robbed, and desecrated in Soissons. In the church of Sainte-Eugénie, the presbytery and the door were broken open, the tabernacle was opened, papers and money was stolen.

Graves Desecrated in Val d’Oise

September 14, 2012, France

In September 2012 the Apostolic Nunciature in France reported that 21 graves were desecrated by unknown perpetrator(s) in Goussainville, Val d’Oise, France.

Desecration of Graves in Lithuania

August 6, 2012, Lithuania

On August 6th, 2012, graves in Balbieriškis were vandalised.

Graves Desecrated in Ardennes

July 9, 2012, France

In July 2012 the Apostolic Nunciature of France reported that 40 graves were desecrated by (an) unknown perpetrator(s) in Saint-Etienne-à-Arnes in Ardennes, France.

Writing on Church Walls in Lithuania

June 17, 2012, Lithuania

June 17th 2012, the walls of a church in Vilnius were spray painted with writing.

Church Vandalised and Holy Sacrament Descrated in Châtillon

February 15, 2012, France

On Wednesday, February 8th, 2012, at about 1:30 p.m., the chapel of Saint Joseph in Châtillon was vandalized and the Holy Sacrament stolen.

Mockery of Christian Worship

February 13, 2012, Italy

A commercial advertising Red Bull broadcast on Mediaset mocked Christian confession and worship.

Graves Desecrated in Albi

February 8, 2012, France

On the 8th of February 2012 the Apostolic Nunciature in France reported that 70 graves were desecrated in a Catholic cemetery in Albi, France.

Blasphemous TV Show

January 23, 2012, Italy

During the TV show "Big Brother" a participant made blasphemous remarks and for this he was disqualified.

Dead Animals Buried in Graveyard

December 14, 2011, Germany

A member of the St Vincent Parish in Lenne found a dead cat in a family members grave when she went to tidy it. The cat had been buried right beneath the dirt with only the feet sticking out. Several weeks later half a chicken was found buried in another grave.

Catholic Cemetery of Sussargues Vandalised

November 12, 2011, France

The cemetery of the village of Sussargues in France has been vandalised. The perpetrator(s) damaged about thirty graves and memorials. Crucifix were broken or turned upside down, statuettes of the Virgin Mary were planted head in the ground. Satanists tags are visible on many graves.

Church Desecrated in Vauréal

November 12, 2011, France

The church of Sainte-Claire of Vauréal has been desecrated and Christian symbols specifically attacked. A city councilor criticizes the lack of response of governmental institutions.

Vandalism at St. Georg Church in Munich

November 5, 2011, Germany

For several years local youth have been vandalizing St. Georg Church in Munich. They took tiles off the roof, sprayed graffiti on the outside walls, urinated into the holy water vessels and set fire at the local graveyard. The attacks were ongoing in November 2011. Some of the youth are known to the parish priest, who does not reported them to the police. One of the youth stated in a TV interview with blurred image that he was Moslem and felt uncomfortable with the majority denomination. The priest says that many youth are aggressive towards the Church due to emotional neglect they suffer at home.

"Occupy Rome" Activists Destroyed Sacred Icons During Demonstration

October 15, 2011, Italy

A group of youth who were marching as part of the anti-capitalist movement "Occupy Rome", detoured from the main stream of the parade, and made their way into Saints Marcellino and Pietro Parish, located between Labicana and Merulana streets. The youth, with their heads covered and handing sticks, broke into the parish house and took the statue of the Immaculate Conception and a crucifix. They carried the sacred icons outside the parish premises to the street, where both were destroyed and the debriefs left on the street.

Catholic Cemetery of Buxy Wrecked

September 13, 2011, France

Twenty graves and tombstones have been desecrated in the small village of Buxy in Burgundy. The 2,000 residents of Buxy and their mayor are shocked and incredulous, the police has opened an investigation.

Vandalism at St. Ann's in Ascheberg

July 28, 2011, Germany

Unknown perpetrators urinated into a Holy Water vessel of St. Ann Catholic church, in Ascheberg. They also damaged organ pipes, several apostle statues and a censer. The damage amounts to several thousand Euros. The police has not yet convicted the vandals and does not rule out that they are a gang of teenagers.

Cemetery of Saint-Lys Desecrated

June 30, 2011, France

The cemetery of La Moutonne of Saint-Lys in the department of Haute-Garonne has been vandalized in the night from Thursday to Friday, June 30th, 2011. Memorial plaques were lying on the ground, damaged. A bench of the cemetery had been split into pieces, urn compartments had been opened and no less than twenty graves had received stroke of large stones flung against them, thus breaking plaques, ceramics and flower pots.

Vandalism in the Cemetery of Belleville-sur-Meuse

June 30, 2011, France

Fifteen Christian graves were damaged in the cemetery of Belleville-sur-Meuse and many crosses and statues broken into pieces. Ashes of three deceased have been scattered. Several crosses, marbles and plaques were broken into pieces and scattered on the ground. Statues of Christ were wrenched and let to lay on the floor.

200-year-old Greek Orthodox Chapel Demolished “By Accident” in Northern Cyprus

May 26, 2011, Cyprus

The 200-year-old Greek Orthodox Chapel of Saint Thekla in the village of Vokolida, Cyprus was demolished, allegedly by accident. The demolition was condemned publicly by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and two individuals were arrested for destroying the church and a promise was made to rebuild it. Nevertheless, due to several reasons, this has not yet been performed.

Attacks on the Parish Church of Navalcarnero, Madrid

May 10, 2011, Spain

The parish church of “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción” suffered great damage on Sunday May 8, as several religious images made of plaster were destroyed. Local police arrested the assailant, a 35-year-old male local resident, who had made previous threats toward the church. As stated by Pastor Marcos Fermin, this is not only a financial problem for him - but bears also great emotional pain.

Church Vandalised in Echirolles

April 24, 2011, France

The church of Saint-Jean-Bosco of Echirolles has been victim of desecration. The main Crucifix was found broken on the floor. Missals had been flung to the ground and benches damaged and turned over. Apparently, the perpetrators had entered the church by forcing a side door. No theft has been reported.

Catholic Church Vandalised on Good Thursday

April 21, 2011, Turkey

Two men armed with swords and knives broke into a Catholic Church in Adana last Thursday. After learning that the priest was not in the church, the 26 year old aggressors proceeded to vandalise the property.

Assault on the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena de Ciempozuelos (Madrid)

April 14, 2011, Spain

On a Thursday morning a group of vandals broke into the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena, destroying the altar shrine and the crown of the Virgin. The church suffered great damage, and the content of the collection box was stolen.

Anti-Chapel Demonstration in Valencia Called For But Failed

March 24, 2011, Spain

After anti-chapel demonstrations had taken place at Computense University in Madrid and Barcelona University, students of the University of Valencia called to march against chapel service at the Valencia School of Medicine. At the end, the rally did not take place.

Fire Set to Catholic Church in Barcelona

March 23, 2011, Spain

During the night of March 22th, early morning of March 23th, 2011, a group of radical feminists started a fire at the doors of San Vicenç Church, in the Sarriá neighbourhood, in Barcelona. According to the priest Manuel Valls this was the fifth attack against the church in the last three years.

Vandalism in Madrid Church

March 15, 2011, Spain

The Ascensión del Señor Church, located in the Madrid suburb of Carabanchel, a working class neighborhood, has suffered the loss of their most precious sacred items, the chalice with the Eucharist and the Holy Oils. The Church, build 60 years ago in a poor vicinity, has no item of value, and "the burglars knew about it", affirms Francisco Pérez, the church Pastor. Fr. Perez adds: "They only took the most precious treasure for our community, the body of Christ".

University Chapel Desecration at Complutense University in Madrid

March 11, 2011, Spain

On March 11, 2011, Paula Nieto, the President of the Students Union at the Complutense University in Madrid, reported incidents at the Moncloa campus law school chapel in a radio interview. According to Nieto, several students locked themselves in the chapel, smoked weed and drank beer, while making statements against the Catholic Church. Nieto argues the attacks come from an ultra-left student group named Contrapoder.

Desecration of University Chapel

March 10, 2011, Spain

At Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) a group of 50 young people stormed the chapel of the Somosaguas university campus to protest against the Catholic Church.

Statue of Mary, Mother of Jesus, Destroyed in Church

February 20, 2011, Liechtenstein

Unknown perpetrators have destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary by pulling it from the altar in a church in Schaan / Liechtenstein.