Archbishop Reports Churches Forced Open During Marseille Unrest
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline reported that churches had been forced open during unrest in Marseille. His statement condemned the violence but did not identify the churches concerned or detail the damage.
In a statement dated 18 October 2026, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, reported that churches had been forced open during violence in the city the previous day.
The statement placed the incidents within wider unrest affecting shops and public buildings. Aveline condemned the violence, expressed solidarity with those affected and called for peace. The communiqué did not specify how many churches were involved, name the buildings or describe any objects damaged or stolen.
Sources: Diocèse de Marseille, Le Journal du Dimanche
Image: Iurii Dzivinskyi on Shutterstock