Series of Attacks on sacred statues across Frosinone Province
A series of vandalism incidents targeting sacred statues has been reported in the province of Frosinone, Italy, with multiple cases occurring within a few days. On 18 April 2026, statues in Ceccano and Pofi were found decapitated inside public votive niches. Authorities confirm that at least six similar episodes have recently been recorded across the province.
On the morning of 18 April 2026, officers from the Carabinieri Station of Ceccano intervened in via Due Cone following reports from local residents. At the site, they found that unknown individuals had cut off the head of a marble statue depicting Jesus Christ, positioned inside a public votive niche. The detached head was discovered at the base of the statue.
Later the same day, in via Colle Pirolo in Ceccano, Carabinieri responded to another act of vandalism involving a religious shrine. In this instance, the heads of statues of Padre Pio and Santa Maria a Fiume had also been severed and left near the respective sculptures.
Also on 18 April 2026, officers in Pofi intervened in via Varane, locality Molella, where unknown persons had cut off the head of a ceramic statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, placed inside a public votive niche.
Authorities have confirmed that these incidents form part of a sequence of similar acts recorded in recent days across the province of Frosinone. Additional reported cases include vandalism in Anagni (churches of San Giovanni De Duce and San Giuseppe Lavoratore), Alatri (church of Santo Stefano), and two further incidents in Frosinone. In total, at least six comparable episodes have been documented in the province within a short period.
The mayor of Pofi Angelo Mattoccia, speaks of "a serious, cowardly and deeply offensive act of vandalism. We are not facing an isolated episode or a stunt. It is a gesture that humiliates the entire citizenry, that offends believers and that tramples on civic respect. It will be our care - he adds - to help take immediate action to restore the state of the places, evaluating interventions that can prevent further vandalism in this area".
Investigations are being conducted by the Carabinieri Stations involved, supported by the Operational Section of the Frosinone Company. Authorities are acquiring and analysing footage from public and private video surveillance systems.
Update: A 59-year-old woman with a reportedly unstable mental state has been identified. The exact motive for the act is currently unknown.
Source: anagnia, ilmessaggero, teleuniverso, alessioporcu
Photo: anagnia