All cases
Sacrilegious theft of consecrated hosts and sacred objects
June 4, 2026, ItalyA devastating break-in at the Madonna della Colonna church in Tre Ponti, saw vandals enter through a forced rear door, ransack rooms, damage a historic altar painting, and break open the tabernacle, stealing consecrated hosts and multiple sacred objects. The parish priest expressed shock about the devastation of the church.
Grave crosses stolen and desecrated in series of cemetery attacks
June 4, 2026, GermanySeveral Christian grave crosses were stolen from burial sites in a series of incidents at cemeteries in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
ISIS-related online threats ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain
June 2, 2026, SpainAs reported on 2 June, a media outlet of the so-called Islamic State posted an online threat which appeared to be targeting Pope Leo XIV in anticipation of his visit to Spain and the start of the World Cup. Following the circulation of the image, local groups urged the government to take effective counterterrorism measures.
Sixteenth-Century Church Damaged in Attack on Historic Frescoes
June 1, 2026, ItalyA sixteenth-century church near Galatina was vandalised after intruders forced entry and damaged protected frescoes. The attack caused harm to valuable religious artwork safeguarded under Italian heritage protection laws, prompting a criminal investigation.
Two Churches in Mittweida Vandalised: Organ Damaged and Water Flooding Caused
June 1, 2026, GermanyTwo churches in Mittweida were targeted in a series of vandalism incidents that caused water damage, defaced church property and impaired the functioning of the church organs. Police have launched an investigation and are seeking witnesses.
Leipzig café run by free church closes after 26 left-wing attacks
May 31, 2026, GermanyA Christian-run café in Leipzig has announced its closure after reporting 26 attacks over two and a half years, including vandalism, graffiti and a butyric acid incident. The operators attribute the incidents to left-wing extremist perpetrators and cite repeated damage and financial losses as the reason for closing.
Arson Attack and Theft at Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel
May 30, 2026, ItalyAn arson attack targeted the Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel after intruders allegedly set fire to the church's main wooden entrance to gain access. Once inside, they vandalised the sanctuary and stole the crown and sword from the statue of St Michael.
Arson Attack at Marbach Church After Bench Set on Fire
May 28, 2026, GermanyAn arson attack targeted the Church of the Holy Family in Marbach after unknown individuals allegedly set fire to the upholstery of a church bench.
Priest Held Captive During Robbery at Church and Parish House in Portugal
May 27, 2026, PortugalA priest was held captive for around 90 minutes after three assailants broke into a church and parish house in Cantanhede, Portugal. The attackers threatened the priest, demanded money and valuables, and stole a laptop before fleeing.
Rome church vandalised: damaged Marian image and altar smeared
May 27, 2026, ItalyFour intruders desecrated the parish of San Paolo della Croce in Rome’s Corviale district, spilling holy oil, smearing the altar cloth with marker pen, leaving faeces inside the church bathroom and damaging a sacred image of the Madonna before fleeing when confronted by an assistant priest.