All cases
Windows of St Jame's Church repeatedly smashed
January 5, 2024, United KingdomThe stained galss windows of St James's Church in west London have been repeatedly smashed accross five nights. In total, they have been broken through 16 times. In some cases the panes have been damaged, in others they have been completely destroyed.
Man caused £35,000 worth of damage to church windows
January 5, 2024, United KingdomOver the course of five nights, an individual repeatedly attacked St James' church in London, damaging virtually every panel of the church's window. Some panels have been completely destroyed, others badly damaged.
Nativity scene in Turin destroyed
January 4, 2024, ItalyOn January 4, the nativity scene and Christmas tree were destroyed in an act of vandalism in the 5th district of Turin. The president of the district, Enrico Crescimanno, announced that an investigation would be launched to identify the vandals. He also described the act as "a disgraceful gesture against the representation of the Nativity".
Statue of Infant Jesus thrown into Garda Lake
January 3, 2024, ItalyVandals attacked a Nativity scene in Salò, Italy. The figure of the Infant Jesus from the Nativity Scene of the local fire brigade was thrown into the Garda Lake between the 2nd and 3rd of January. The friends of the Salò fire brigade comment that "the baby Jesus was uprooted from his cradle and thrown into the waters in front of the site designated to house the Nativity." They also reported that the figure of St Joseph was also replaced.
Nativity scene Figures beheaded in Florence
January 2, 2024, ItalyEvery year dozens of nativity scenes are set up along the Via dei Presepi. This Christmas, one of them was found with eight out of ten human figures decapitated, as it was reported by the police on January 2nd. The figures of the animals were also damaged. The incident has been described as a "sacrilegious surgical act". This event was also communicated on social media by the councillor, Susi Giglioli.
Arson attack on St John the Evangelist church
January 1, 2024, United KingdomFire was set to St John the Evangelist church in Enfield. Forty firefighters were needed to extinguish the fire. It has been confirmed by the police that this was an arson attack. The fire started by the high altar and damaged stained-glass windows and artefacts.
Statue of Jesus from Nativity Scene Beheaded
January 1, 2024, ItalyOn January 1st, unknown vandals smashed the statue of the Child Jesus in Gorla Maggiore, Italy, in broad daylight. Mayor Pietro Zappamiglio expressed "great sadness and bitterness at what has happened." It is hoped that the vandals were caught on church cameras.
The statue of the Infant Jesus was decapitated in Alliste
December 31, 2023, ItalyIt was reported that on New Year's Eve, unknown perpetrators vandalised the nativity scene of the parish church of San Quintino in Alliste, targeting the statue of the infant Jesus. The parish priest commented: "An outburst by our children that should make us reflect".
Nativity Scene Vandalised with Blue Paint
December 31, 2023, GermanyOn January 4, a nativity scene was vandalised with blue paint outside the parish church of Großenbach-Hünfeld, Germany. The local community is shocked about the incident.
Via Crucis vandalised in Mavignola
December 31, 2023, ItalyIn the night from December 31 to January 1, unknown perpetrators have damaged the stations of the Via Crucis, defacing them and committing severe vandalism. According to the councilor of the Municipality of Pinzolo, Luca Vidi, the statue of Christ was stolen from the first of the stations of the cross. Other stations have been defaced with "unrepeatable slogans" against "the Church, Christianity and the Pope". "Some people are not educated as they should be, and there is no respect for the common heritage, ignoring the fact that it was created with everyone's efforts," the councillor commented.
Statue of Mary Vandalised for the Second Time
December 31, 2023, HungaryOn New Year's Eve a newly restored statue of Mary has been vandalised for the second time in Dunavecse, Hungary. Unknown perpetrators smashed the head of the statue and trampled its pieces.
Another Nativity scene vandalised in Italy
December 31, 2023, ItalyOn New Year's Eve, vandals destroyed the nativity scene in Campogalliano, Italy. The crib was built by local volunteers. Unknown vandals destroyed the figures and also damaged a nearby bus station.
Nativity Scene Vandalism: Statue of Infant Jesus destroyed
December 31, 2023, ItalyA statue of the infant Jesus of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie was found destroyed on New Year's Eve. The figure was found with its arm and head cut off. The head is still missing. The village, which has only 198 inhabitants, is wondering who could have done such a thing.
Baby Jesus Figure Beheaded and torn into pieces
December 31, 2023, ItalyAs it was reported at the end of December 2023, the nativity scene in Piazza della Repubblica in Monfalcone, Italy, has been attacked. The statuette of baby Jesus was found decapitated and smashed to pieces. The police are investigating. The mayor, Anna Maria Christi, said that everything is being done to find those responsible.
Nativity scene destroyed in Rome
December 30, 2023, ItalyOn December 30, a nativity scene was destroyed in the Setticamini area of Rome, Italy. The crib was built by the citizens. The vandals "destroyed the face of Mary, they broke the hand of Saint Joseph, they tore down all the decorations and scattered them everywhere".
Thieves stole 30 crucifixes from cemeteries
December 27, 2023, SpainThrough the theft of up to 30 copper or brass crucifixes severe damage was caused in the cemeteries of Pantoja, Seseña and Borox, in the province of Toledo. Three thieves broke into the municipal cemeteries and tore the crucifixes off the tombstones, causing damage amounting to 20,000 euros in the Pantoja cemetery alone.
Arson attack on Maria Namen Church in Vienna
December 26, 2023, AustriaOn December 26, unknown perpetrators set fire to the entrance of Maria Namen Parish Church in the 16th district of Vienna, Austria. A construction site toilet, which had been placed at the entrance of the church due to current rennovations, has been set on fire and completely melted. Apparently, fire accelerants must have been used. The parish priest, Jesus David Jean Villalobos, suspects arson.
Baby Jesus Torn into Pieces By Young Vandals
December 26, 2023, ItalyIn Muggio, Italy, vandals damaged the Nativity scene by destroying first a sheep and later the statue of baby Jesus. The act was caught by the security camera and handed over to the police. Also, the parish priest of the Madonna del Castagno pastoral community, Don Maurizio Tremolada, published a video on his Facebook page showing the young people who entered the hut around 26 December and wrote a letter addressed to those who had destroyed the statue of the baby Jesus. In the letter, he invites the perpetrators to make up for their actions.
Nativity scene violently destroyed
December 24, 2023, ItalyOn Christmas Eve, street cameras caught a group of people damaging the nativity scene on the sqaure of Uboldo. The figures were "furiously kicked, punched and beaten". Someone also sat on the cradle and damaged it. The Major has announced that appropriate action will be taken.
Church Defaced with Paint just before Christmas
December 23, 2023, PolandOn December 23, three juvenile residents vandalised a church in Gostynin, Poland. The walls of the church was spray painted in blue. The tags show insults and possible slogans related to Catholicism. A police investigation was launched and the vandals were identified thanks to the city surveillance.
Statue from Nativity Scene Stolen and Church Damaged Before Christmas
December 23, 2023, ItalyOn the 23rd of December, it was reported that a statuette of the nativity scene in the church of Valdagno was stolen. Now, the crib will be secured behind bars. The thieves stole the statue of a priest holding a monstrance and by doing so they also damaged the door, some pews and the steps to the entrance door, where another statue was ripped off. The police were notified.
Nativity scene figures stolen and damaged
December 23, 2023, GermanyBetween December 23 and 30, three figures were stolen from the nativity scene in St Anthony's Church in Amberg, Germany. In addition, a fourth figure was completely smashed. The police are asking anyone with information to contact them.
Religious statues and car of priest vandalised
December 21, 2023, BelarusOn December 21, an unknown perpetrator wrought havoc on the grounds of the church of St. Michael the Archangel in Smorgon. Several religious statues and the priest's car were damaged. The man shouted that the Catholic Church should "get out of here".
Vicious graffiti on church in Budel
December 21, 2023, NetherlandsOn December 21, slogans attacking the asylum seekers' centre, a swastika and other symbols were found on the walls of the Church of Our Lady in Budel, North Brabant. On the side wall of the church building, texts were found such as 'azc weg' ('close down the asylum seekers' center'), 'own people first' and 'f*ck the police'. There is also a middle finger on one of the entrances to the church and a picture of the Prophet Muhammad on the church building.
Armenian Church of St. Mary in Sweden Vandalized Before Christmas
December 20, 2023, SwedenSt. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Södertälje, Sweden, was the target of a raid on 20 December. Intruders gained access through a window leading to a room used for various ceremonies and stole valuable items with great sentimental value for the community. “We didn’t expect this. We are facing an empty altar before Christmas,” said Alexander Sharoyan, the church’s representative. A police investigation has been initiated.
Nativity scene destroyed by fire
December 20, 2023, ItalyOn December 20, a fire destroyed the nativity scene in the parish church of Brentonico, Rome. A woman raised the alarm when she saw the church was completely filled with smoke. The parish priest, Don Daniele Laghi, suspects arson, as the nativity scene had already vandalised a few weeks ago. The police have opened an investigation to establish the facts.
Vandalism of Graveyard of Saint Eunan's Cathedral
December 19, 2023, IrelandBetween December 19 and January 3, unknown persons broke and pulled down several headstones in the graveyard of Saint Eunan's Cathedral in Raphoe, Ireland. Some were broken, other stones were pulled out of the ground. Local police are appealing to anyone with information about the vandalism.
Vandalism to Bethlehem Church Construction Site in Clamecy
December 19, 2023, FranceThe construction site of Bethlehem Church in Clamecy was broken into and vandalised on December 19, 2023. On site, construction equipment was manipulated, diesel siphoned off and some of the keys to the equipment were stolen.
Repeated theft of Jesus figure from nativity scene
December 19, 2023, SpainOn December 19, the Jesus figure from the nativity scene in Benimaclet, Valencia, was stolen again, only ten days after it had previously been stolen and replaced by a caricature. This time, the vandals did not only steal the Jesus figure, but have also painted the word "eviction" on the wooden planks protecting the crib.
Nativity Scene Figures Beheaded
December 17, 2023, GermanyIn the German town Rüsselsheim all figures of a nativity scene, including the depiction of baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary and the three Wise Men, have been beheaded in an act of vandalism. The damage was discovered on December 17. According to a report, the nativity scene, which was part of a Christmas marked, looked like a battlefield and the figure of Jesus in the manger was found beneath the rubble.
Cumbrae Church's Nativity Scence Vandalised
December 16, 2023, United KingdomA Christmas nativity scene at Cumbrae Parish Church was vandalised in Millport. Among other damages, the figure of Mary had been beheaded. The church community is shocked about the incident.
St Anna church remains closed indefinitely after vandalism and threats
December 15, 2023, GermanySt Anne's Church in Stendal has been closed since December due to vandalism and intimidation. As reported on 28 February the church is still not receiving regular visitors and is only open for worship service.
Makovecs Square nativity scene destroyed
December 14, 2023, HungaryOn December 14, a nativity scene displayed on the main square in Markó, Hungary, was destroyed by unknown persons. The nativity scene, which was awarded the most beautiful in the country in 2020, was found with all the human figures decapitated, while the animal figures were untouched. The incident was reported to the police. Some of the figures appear to have been damaged beyond repair.
Stained glass window of St. Martinus Church damaged
December 14, 2023, GermanyOn December 14, damage was caused to St. Martinus Church in Böttingen. An unknown perpetrator smashed the stained glass window integrated into the sacristy's concrete glass window, causing damage amounting to around 1,000 euros. The police are investigating.
Church Door vandalised
December 13, 2023, GermanyOn December 13, the door handle of a church in Marburg was ripped off. The incident has been reported to the police. The damage is estimated at several hundreds of euros.
Church in Piacenza vandalised
December 11, 2023, ItalyOn December 11, the Santa Rita church in Piacenza, Italy, was vandalised, resulting in damages of several thousand euros. Among other things, a cross was destroyed and money was stolen from the offering box.
Graffiti on Church in Bareggio, Nativity scene vandalised
December 11, 2023, ItalyIn Bareggio, the church of the Brughiera has been vandalised by graffiti on the outside walls. The incident came right after a nativity scene on the square of Bareggio was attacked. One figure was destroyed, another broken.
Vandalised nativity scene in front of the church of Magenta
December 10, 2023, ItalyOn December 10, the nativity scene on the churchyard of San Rocco in Magenta, Italy was vandalised. Unknown perpetrators cut off the head and arms and legs of the statue of the child Jesus and damaged that of Mary.
Climate activists vandalise Venice's San Marco Basilica
December 7, 2023, ItalyOn 7 December, six climate activists defaced St Mark's Basilica of Venice by spraying Nesquik with fire extinguishers on the right side facade and pouring mud on the columns. They then unfurled a banner and a placard with the photos of twelve climate activists who were detained for three days after a roadblock in Fiumicino.
Arson destroyed Bethlehem Chruch in Rotterdam
December 6, 2023, NetherlandsOn the evening of December 6, a fire broke out in the Bethlehemkerk church building located on Oranjestraat, Rotterdam. The flames quickly spread to the roof, causing it to collapse. The church was almost completely destroyed by the fire. The fire department arrived promptly and was able to prevent the fire from spreading any further. As a precautionary measure, the surrounding houses were temporarily evacuated.
St. Mary's Church Vandalized with anti-Christian Graffiti in Cologne
December 5, 2023, GermanyAt the beginning of December, for example, the pilgrimage church of St Mary in Kupfergasse in Cologne was the victim of an attack in which the perpetrators left eclectic messages on the walls of the chapel. The smearing included writings such as "666" and "Allah Akbar", most probably non of these related to genuine Satanism or Islamism. However, the use of these slogans and the fact that the perpetrators defaced the chapel walls point to a strong anti-Christian motive.
Door of Church damaged in Greiz
December 5, 2023, GermanyOn December 5, the door of a church in Greiz, Germany was partly destroyed, resulting in damages of at least a thousand euros. Police started an investigation.
Church windows vandalised
December 5, 2023, ItalyThree teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, were caught by the police, after video footage showed them throwing rocks at windows of a church in Arzignano, Italy. The damages amount to more than 2500 euros.
Protestant Church in Annweiler Ransacked
December 2, 2023, GermanyBetween the morning of December 1 and the morning of December 2, unknown perpetrators broke into a Protestant church in Annweiler. The individuals trashed a room inside the church, but did not steal anything. The damage is estimated to cost about 500 euros. Police are still investigating the incident.
Priest's car set on fire in Carapelle
December 2, 2023, ItalyThe car of Don Claudio Barboni, the parish priest of the Church of the Blessed Mary Virgin of the Rosary in Carapelle, was demolished in a fire the night of December 2. The priest said he noticed the fire from his window at 2 in the morning. The car was parked in front of the rectory in Vico Capua.
Theft and Vandalism at Church in Casale
December 2, 2023, ItalyWithin one week a church in Casale, Itlay, became both the target of theft and vandalism.
Nativity scene destroyed by two British tourists in Spain
December 1, 2023, SpainDecember 1, two British tourists were caught in the act of vandalising the Jerez nativity scene in Spain. The Christ Child was the most damaged figure and had to be replaced by another. The two men were also mocking Christian prayer after they were caught. The authorities have opened an investigation against the two British tourists for vandalism.
Cross Vandalized in Church in Toulouse
November 30, 2023, FranceOn November 30 around 10 AM it was discovered that the Aucamville town church in Toulouse was vandalized. A cross was severely damaged, a vase was broken and the pieces were left on the ground. Two vandals were identified and it was discovered they were intoxicated while performing the acts of vandalism.
Statue of Infant Jesus Beheaded in St. Johann Church in Saarbrücken
November 27, 2023, GermanyOn November 27, unknown perpetrators vandalized the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Saarbrücken. A statue of Infant Jesus has been beheaded and the statute of Mary, holding the infant, was also damaged. Later on, a 44-year-old woman was identified as the perpetrator.
Church in Odenhausen vandalised
November 25, 2023, GermanyOn November 25, vandals damaged the downspouts and power cables of the parish church of Odenhausen, Germany. They also tore out headlights so that power cables hung open.
Statue of Mary Damaged and Cross Stolen from Church in Vienna
November 24, 2023, AustriaOn November 23, Keplerkirche St. Johann in Vienna was vandalized. Witnesses had seen a man who had allegedly tore a statue of the Madonna from an anchorage in the church and stole a wooden cross. Based on the witness statements and video surveillance footage, the police were able to identify the perpetrator. The 29-year-old Syrian man was found near the church and arrested. He will be charged with aggravated damage to property and theft. The stolen cross was returned to the church. The same perpetrator attacked the Viennese St. Stephan cathedral a few days later (see case from November 26, 2023).
Sacred Objects Stolen from Church in Nürnberg
November 24, 2023, GermanySacred objects worth over 1800 euros have disappeared from the St Jakob's Protestant Church in Nürnberg. The theft was noticed in autumn by a group of visitors, who realised that the angel statues, which were normally holding religious symbols in their hands, were now standing there empty-handed. The religious symbols which have been stolen are a Christ monogram, a cross and symbols of scourge, crown of thorns, hammer and nails.
Vandalism and theft in Syrian Orthodox church
November 23, 2023, SwedenIn the night of November 23, the Syrian Orthodox church in Tensta was burgled and vandalised. The police found break marks on a door and broken windows and that some objects had been stolen. On December 8, a suspect was arrested.
Graves Vandalized and Crosses Destroyed in German Cemetery
November 23, 2023, GermanyOn November 23, the cemetery of Phillipsburg was found devastated. Unknown perpetrators vandalised grave decorations during the night. They tore out crosses, flower vases and figures. A wooden cross was found smashed on the ground.
Church in Ichtershausen Vandalized and Robebed
November 20, 2023, GermanyA church in Klostergasse in Ichtershausen, Germany, was forcibly broken into and damaged. Several doors were broken open, rooms were searched and approximately 10,000 euros worth of property damage was caused. Multiple instruments were stolen as well. The crime occurred between November 17 at 3 PM and November 20 at 10:20 AM. The police are still investigating the incident.
Ballymoney Church Subject of Arson Attack
November 19, 2023, IrelandThe door to Our Lady and St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ballymoney was set on fire on the night of November 19. Police were notified shortly after 9:45 pm that the side door of the church was on fire. Officers attended to the fire and were able to extinguish it before significant damage was caused. The police are investigating the incident as a deliberate arson attack.
Basilica in Rouen Vandalised and Robbed
November 15, 2023, FranceThe Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur in Rouen was broken into on November 15. The parish priest, Father Geoffroy de la Tousche, said that a statue was broken, sacred vases were stolen, and the altar was severely damaged. This is not the first case of vandalism in Rouen, as gargoyles had been damaged last year. The priest said that the damage will cost tens of thousands of euros. The police are investigating but the perpetrator has not been found.
Sacred Objects Damaged and Stolen at Cathedral in Königslutter
November 14, 2023, GermanyUnknown perpetrators damaged an altar crucifix and stole a Jesus figure from the Imperial Cathedral in Königslutter on November 14. The individuals entered the cathedral via the main entrance, which was open, and went to the altar area. They removed the crucifix, moved it to a less visible area in the church, and severely damaged it. They also stole a figure of Jesus that was attached to it. The police are investigating the situation, and the perpetrators have not been caught.
Scandiano Church Vandalized and Statue of Mary Beheaded
November 13, 2023, ItalyA man devastated the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Scandiano, causing thousands of euros worth of damage. He vandalized the walls, furniture, and statues, including breaking off the head of a statue of Mary. The individual destroyed sacred objects and broke open the tabernacle to throw the host on the ground. The police were able to identify the perpetrator. The 53-year-old from Modena was consequently reported for aggravated damage.
Church in Leinach Defaced Again
November 11, 2023, GermanySt. Laurentius Church in Leinach was defaced for the second time over the weekend of November 11. The side of the church was smeared with silver paint, the slogan written on the wall is illegible. The material damage is estimated to cost 500 euros. About a year ago, unknown perpetrators defaced the steps of the church with black paint. The individuals responsible for either of these crimes have not been caught.
Man Starts a Fire in Confessional of Church in Oropesa del Mar
November 10, 2023, SpainAn individual deliberately started a fire in a confessional at the parish of San Jaime in Oropesa del Mar. The fire was able to be put out and did not injure anyone. The Local Police of Oropesa del Mar were able to identify the man who started the fire and arrest him.
Offensive Graffiti vandalises Church Wall in Munich
November 8, 2023, GermanyOn November 8, a picture was posted on social media of an offensive writing in graffiti on the outside wall of St. Lukas Church in Munich. The writing read: "F*ck your God". Pastor Steve Kennedy Henkel said, "as a church in the city, we are used to vandalism; recently a stone was thrown through the church window after a funeral service." The pastor has replaced the first word of the graffiti, so that it now reads: "I love you! Your God." Pastor Henkel explained: "What would be more natural for us as Christians to respond to hatred with love?" It has not been reported if any police investigation has been launched following this incident.
Arson Attack on Church in Vado
November 4, 2023, ItalyA fire was started at the church of Santa Maria in Vado on November 4 at around 8:45 AM. It was reported that the perpetrator set fire to a tent set up in the churchyard. From there, the fire then spread to the front door of the church. People in the church noticed and notified the fire department, then used water to start putting out the fire. The firefighters arrived and finished putting out the fire. Smoke filled the interior of the church and an old notice board was destroyed. Police investigated the scene, and the vandal was reportedly caught on surveillance cameras and already identified.
Monstrance Stolen from Church in Schophoven
November 3, 2023, GermanyA valuable monstrance, among other religious objects, was stolen from St. Barbara Church in Schophoven during the night of November 3. The mayor of Schophoven, Matthias Hahn, entered the church in the morning to find the tabernacle opened. Liturgical objects, including the monstrance, were stolen. Some of the items taken were a goblet spoon, a ciborium, and a drinking cup. A St. Barbara relic fell to the floor and was bent, but not taken. The sacristy door was also broken open, and the wall safe had been removed from the wall and broken into.
Church tagged with graffiti: "Traitor Christian"
November 1, 2023, FranceOn November 1, 2023, the Saint-Fiacre church in Villers-lès-Nancy was sprayed with graffiti, reading "Traitor Christian". The tags are considered to have a connection with the Israel-Hamas war.
Repeated vandalism of the "White Virgin of Madrid"
October 31, 2023, SpainAccording to news reports from March 2024, a statue of Mary in Madrid has been repeatedly vandalised. After Halloween, the statue was found with satanic signs on its face.
Churches in Alessandria Desecrated
October 28, 2023, ItalyIn the afternoon of October 28, the Church of San Giovannino was desecrated. A young man entered the presbytery, climbed onto the alter to reach for the crucifix and threw it on the floor, breaking it into several pieces. After that, he removed a crucifix from the wall at the front of the church and broke it. The incident was filmed by security cameras, though the man had put out the candles in the church as to not be recognized.
Tablecloth on the altar of Saint-Symphorien Church
October 24, 2023, FranceOn October 24, the tablecloth on the altar of the Saint-Symphorien Church of Loué, Sarthe, was set on fire. As the alert was given very quickly the local priests were able to extinguish the fire and prevent further damages. Local authorities, however, expressed concern about the symbolism of this incident.
Church of Ladornac desecrated
October 17, 2023, FranceOn October 17, the Notre-Dame Church of Ladornac in Dordogne was desecrated. The altar stone and statues were broken.
Two churches tagged with Nazi and satanic symbols
October 16, 2023, FranceOn October 16, 2023, symbols with Nazi and satanic connotations were found on the churches of Saint-Thomas and Saint-Houardon in Landerneau. According to the parish priest, the churches have already become targets of vandalism before.
Criminal Damage Caused to Church in Hereford
October 15, 2023, United KingdomOn October 15, a group vandalized St. Francis Xavier Church in Hereford. A group of youths meddled with the microphone, threw lit candles around the room and spit on the altar. The church priest, Father Thomas, said that security must be tightened because of this incident. Before, the church had been open at any time of the day so churchgoers could come to pray or light a candle. The police are still investigating the situation.
Man Sets Fire in a Church in Pescara after being Denied Money from the Priest
October 15, 2023, ItalyA 56-year old man from Pescara asked the parish priest for money, but when the priest refused he started a fire near the altar. The incident occurred around 3:30 PM on October 15. The police was notified and found that a wooden bench, placed to the side of the altar, showed clear signs of combustion. The fabric covering the bench and the carpet underneath it were damaged by the flames, but the fire had already been put out by some parishioners.
Painting of Elijah heavily Damaged with Axe in Krzeszowice
October 14, 2023, PolandOn October 14 the Police Station in Krzeszowice was notified about damage to a chapel located in the Krzeszowice commune. A vandal used an axe to damage a historic painting depicting Elijah the Prophet of Carmel. The vandal then left the area on bike. The police caught the 35-year-old on his bike with the axe that he used to destroy the religious painting. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Four Pupils Vandalize Church in Noci
October 11, 2023, ItalyFour teenage boys heavily vandalized the Church of Carmine in Noci on the morning of October 11. The pupils left their middle school early due to a union meeting of their teachers. They roamed the streets before entering and vandalizing the Church of Carmine. The children were in the church for 30 minutes when they broke off the doors of the tabernacle, tampered with the organ, threw hand sanitizer on the floor, threw waste inside the church, and set fire in the skylight. Luckily the fire did not spread to other parts of the church. The teenagers also damaged the security cameras, but by then the footage of their actions had already been archived. Gregorio Gabriele, custodian and manager of the Church of Carmine, notified the police as soon as he discovered the destruction. The police viewed video footage and caught the boys who committed the acts of vandalism.
Graveyard Vandalized at Peterborough Cathedral
October 9, 2023, United KingdomVandals targeted a burial ground at Peterborough Cathedral on October 9 between 6 PM and 7 PM. A metal obelisk was kicked over, grave markers were turned upside down and labels identifying various types of flowers were ripped off. The Cathedral gardening team is attempting to repair the damage, and police have launched an investigation.
Attempted Break-In to Church in Schnaitsee
October 9, 2023, GermanyBetween October 6 and October 9, an unknown perpetrator tried to pry open the entrance door to the church of St. Magdalena in Schnaitsee. The perpetrator was unable to gain entry to the church. Based on the evidence on site, it can be assumed that a lever tool was used. This damaged both the entrance door and the masonry of the church. The police reported the incident on October 10.
Man from Sopron Tried to Rob Five Churches in One Night
October 9, 2023, HungaryThe Sopron District Prosecutor's office requested the arrest of a 43-year-old man who tried to break into five churches in one night. One night in September, the unemployed homeless man attempted to break into two small churches in one town, but was unsuccessful. After that, he continued to another village where he was able to pry open the door of the church. He searched through the church but did not steal anything, but damaged two motion detectors and caused approximately HUF 50,000 worth of damage. Following this incident, the man went to the church of another settlement, where he cracked open the window to enter the church and opened the display cases containing cash. He took less than HUF 50,000, but including the vandalism of the church, approximately HUF 100,000 worth of damage was caused. Lastly, the man visited a different church where he broke the window and pried open a cupboard containing donations. He stole HUF 20,000 from this church, but approximately HUF 100,000 in damage was caused. The prosecutor proposed the arrest of the perpetrator.
Confessional in Kreuzlingen Church put on Fire
October 8, 2023, SwitzerlandIn St. Ulrich church in Kreuzlingen a confessional was found on fire on October 8. The fire department was able to put out the fire and ventilate the church. The material damage amounts to several thousand francs. The police have ruled out a technical defect and suspect arson.
Swastika Painted on Front Step of Spangenberg Church
October 8, 2023, GermanyA swastika sign was painted on the entrance steps of a Protestant church in Spangenberg. The Homberg criminal police are now investigating the unknown perpetrators.
Arabic Graffiti on Church Bell Tower in Sacile
October 6, 2023, ItalyOn the morning of October 6, Don Boris Bandiera, the priest at the Parish of San Odorico in Sacile, found graffiti on the front wall of the church bell tower. He immediately notified the police, who helped him translate the Arabic graffiti writing: "There is no God but Allah." Don Boris stated that this is not the first attack on his church that he has witnessed, but the message of this vandalism left him stunned.
Pastor's Car Set on Fire in Mesoraca
October 6, 2023, ItalyIn the evening of October 6, the pastor of the Evangelical Church of Mesoraca, Giovanni Aiello, was having dinner at a restaurant in Mesoraca when an unknown individual set fire to his car. While Aiello and other guests were inside, someone noticed the flames and alerted everyone. The car was completely destroyed by the flames along with the car parked next to it. Aiello immediately filed a complaint at the Mesoraca police station. Military personnel promptly started investigations to trace the perpetrator of the serious act, examining the video surveillance cameras located in the area. Last December the pastor's mountain home in the Fratta area was also destroyed. "I thought it would end there", he said, but added that after the new attack he is feeling unsafe.
Church in Cleethorpes Set on Fire
October 5, 2023, United KingdomOn October 5, Beaconthorpe Methodist church was set on fire. Firefighters were immediately called to the scene. No one was injured in the fire. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire and have been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Feldmark Church Vandalized with Graffiti
October 4, 2023, GermanyA church on Pothmannstraße in Feldmark, Gelsenkirchen was damaged between September 29 and October 4. The unknown perpetrators damaged a lighting rod and sprayed the church facade with various graffiti of swear words. The building's caretaker noticed the damage on October 4 and notified the police.
Church in Aisch Vandalized
October 3, 2023, GermanyThe church of St. Johannes in Neustadt an der Aisch was vandalized on October 3. Presumably three young teenagers left a trail of destruction. Pastor Daniel Bittel of the parish of St. Johannes said he encountered the three vandals, but only later realized that they were probably responsible for the destruction. Bottles of wine and beer and flour from the thanksgiving altar had been scattered, nearly all the offering candles had been thrown to the ground, and praise books had been torn to pieces in the front of the church.
Church on Isle of Portland, Dorset Set on Fire
October 2, 2023, United KingdomEmergency services were called to St. Peter's Church on Portland on the evening of October 2, 2023 due to a fire in the church. Police have said a local youth is assisting them with enquiries about how the fire began. The fire at the historic site, which is more than 150 years old, is believed to be deliberate. According to the police, security measures will be needed to prevent this kind of anti-social behaviour.
Man Broke into 26 Churches in Austria
September 30, 2023, AustriaA man who broke into 26 churches in Austria has been tracked down in Hungary. The man is said to have broken doors and windows of churches. He also broke into sacristies and sacrificial boxes to steal cash.
Swastikas sprayed on the Outside Walls of Church in Sechshelden
September 29, 2023, GermanyIn the early hours of September 29th somebody sprayed swastikas and other slogans on the outside walls and the door of the Church of Sechshelden. The Police has started an investigation.
Pro-abortion activists defame and vandalise church
September 28, 2023, SpainOn 28 September, a group of pro-abortion protesters smeared the walls of Santa Maria del Remei Church in Barcelona with graffiti and placed their protest signs on the windows of the church, with messages such as "trash church, you are the dictatorship". On October 30, another graffiti was smeared at the church wall (see image).
Pro-Abortion Demonstrators Vandalize Church in Barcelona with Offensive Graffiti and Harass Churchgoers
September 28, 2023, SpainThe Spanish Christian Lawyers Foundation has filed a complaint against a pro-abortion organization whose members allegedly harassed people attending Mass and spray-painted offensive slogans on the walls of the church. According to the lawyers, the organization responsible for the harassment and vandalism was the Association of Sexual and Reproductive Rights. On September 28, during a march through the streets of Barcelona, protestors "attacked the parish of Santa María del Remei in the Las Corts neighborhood," according to a statement posted on October 17 on the lawyers' website. The complaint to the judge specifies that "the attackers reproached the parishioners who attended Mass in addition to painting graffiti with statements such as "(piece of) trash church you are a dictatorship" or "abuser priests prohibit abortion."
Metal cross blown up in Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani troops
September 27, 2023, ArmeniaThe second tallest metal cross in Europe, a 50-meter cross overlooking Stepanakert, the capital of the ethnic-Armenian Republic of Artsakh, was destroyed during the Azerbaijani military offensive that began on 19 September. This is only one of many attacks on the Christian religion of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, who are suffering an ethnic cleansing from their native land since the Azerbaijani military offensive.
Azerbaijani soldiers shooting at 13th century Charektar Monastery
September 26, 2023, ArmeniaOn 26 September a video released on the internet showed Azerbaijani soldiers shooting at the 13th century Armenian monastery of Charektar in Nagorno-Karabakh. The shots were fired from an armoured personnel carrier and sniper rifles. The attack comes in the context of the ethnic cleansing and military offensive launched on 19 September by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh which is also targeting Armenian Christianity in the region.
Vandals deface church with blasphemous writings
September 25, 2023, ItalyDuring the night of September 25, a group of youth defaced the walls of the parish church Santi Giovanni e Agostino and some facades in la Spezia. According to the media, the slogans included blasphemous writings.
Desecration of the Virgin of Flores Convent Church
September 19, 2023, SpainThe Virgen de las Flores Convent Church in Malaga was vandalised. The attack happened in the morning of September 19. In the sanctuary of the Virgen de las Flores Convent they scattered the consecrated hosts on the floor, took the mantle of Mary and the image of Baby Jesus.
Two Cases of Desecration in Hospital Chapel in Puerto Real
September 14, 2023, SpainOn the 14th of September, CNA reported that a hospital chapel in the town of Puerto Real, in the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta, had recently been desecrated twice. The first time, nothing was stolen but someone moved the tabernacle so that it was out of joint and left a dirty glass in it. The second time, the consecrated hosts were stolen and the veil of the tabernacle was torn off. The police were notified.
Hateful Graffiti On Residence of Cardinal of Cologne
September 13, 2023, GermanyThe official residence of the Cardinal of Cologne, Rainer Maria Woelki, was smeared with hateful graffiti on the September 19. The entrance gate to the archbishop's house was also sprayed with powder from a fire extinguisher.
Christ Church in Derry Desecrated
September 12, 2023, IrelandChrist Church in Derry was found with multiple broken windows, including a stained glass window. Vases of flowers were knocked over, a decanter used for communion was stolen, and faeces were found smeared on the pages of a psalm book.
Severe vandalism, desecration and death threats inside a chapel in Pedregalejo, Malaga
September 5, 2023, SpainOn September 5 a man broke into the Corpus Christi parish church in Pedregalejo (Malaga) and caused considerable damage to the parish hall while uttering death threats and shouting "God doesn't exist", among other derogatory phrases against the Church. The offender smashed several paintings, including one of Mary, a carving of Christ crucified, a pedestal of Mary, several chairs, a candelabra and some glass.
Church in Bodmin Closed to Visitors after Repeated Vandalism
September 1, 2023, United KingdomSt. Petroc's Church in Bodmin was opened to visitors outside of services but on September 1 the church announced that it has been forced to close because of repeated vandalism. A spokesperson of the church said that it hoped to reopen to visitors in time, and that it was working with the police on the issue.
Glass Door of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna Destroyed with Hammer
August 27, 2023, AustriaIn the evening of August 27, on the fringes of a Syrian protest, a glass door of the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna was smashed with a hammer. The police, who were present due to the rally scheduled for the evening, immediately arrested the perpetrator armed with two hammers. The man was taken to the hospital, in case he was suffering from psychosis - the police considered a connection with the demonstration unlikely.
Six Stone Crosses were broken from the crowns on Budapest's Margaret Bridge
August 25, 2023, HungaryOn the night of August 24, three men broke 6 stone crosses from de crowns on Margaret Bridge in Budapest. The perpetrators were filmed by CCTV cameras and an investigation has been launched by the police to identify them.