Church Ransacked Near Agen in Pentecost Vandalism
The Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens in Pont-du-Casse, near Agen, was left ransacked after statues, religious objects and furniture were damaged or thrown to the ground during a Pentecost Day vandalism. Authorities later identified four minors linked to the vandalism, while local officials and the Diocese moved quickly to organise repairs and a Mass of reparation.
The Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens in Mérens, within the commune of Pont-du-Casse near Agen, was found ransacked on 25 May 2026 following a violent episode of vandalism during Pentecost Monday. Inside the church, benches were overturned, statues and religious objects were thrown to the ground, flower pots were smashed, and parts of the interior — including stained glass — were damaged, leaving the building extensively disrupted.
Investigators later linked the incident to four minors placed in a nearby child welfare facility, who were identified by gendarmes in the area. Authorities have since confirmed their involvement as part of the ongoing investigation.
Local and departmental services, together with church representatives, immediately began restoration work at the site. The mayor of Pont-du-Casse, Cyril Guilbert, said: "While these traumas do not excuse their actions, they force institutions to be lucid and to be more responsible."
The Diocese of Agen also announced that a Mass of reparation will be celebrated in the damaged church, as part of efforts to restore both the building and its religious function.
Source: sudouest.fr, tribunechretienne, quidam-hebdo
Photo: quidam-hebdo