Crucifix destroyed in Santarcangelo church vandalism
The stone crucifix outside the Church of San Martino dei Mulini in Santarcangelo di Romagna was destroyed overnight in what authorities describe as a deliberate act of sacrilege. The incident is part of a series of attacks on religious symbols in the area.
Concern has intensified in Santarcangelo di Romagna following the destruction of a stone crucifix outside the Church of San Martino dei Mulini. On 28 April 2026, unknown individuals tore the crucifix from its fixing and smashed it into pieces.
Local authorities and clergy have described the act as deliberate and targeted rather than ordinary vandalism. Mayor Filippo Sacchetti stated publicly that these were “not simple acts of vandalism, but sacrilegious acts carried out with extreme determination,” adding that removing and destroying the sculpture would have required specific tools such as “a hammer or a chisel,” which, in his view, excludes the possibility of an impulsive gesture.
Parish priest Don Stefano Vendemini stated: “Whoever it was, he made this gesture with the sole purpose of damaging the crucifix. It was a very serious sacrilegious act.” Referring to a previous incident in the area, Bishop Nicolò Anselmi had described the earlier theft of a tabernacle as “a real desecration, perhaps the work of Satanists.”
The episode has been presented locally as part of a broader context of disturbing incidents affecting religious symbols in Santarcangelo in recent months, including the theft of the tabernacle at the Capuchins (OIDAC reported). Authorities have not announced any official conclusions regarding possible links between the cases.
Source: giornalesm, ilrestodelcarlino
Photo: ilrestodelcarlino