All cases
Priest faces up to three years in prison for criticising Islam
March 5, 2024, SpainAs reported by the Catholic News Agency on March 5, Fr. Custodio Ballester, parish priest from Barcelona, and two other individuals received a summons from a provincial court in Spain in February to answer charges of an alleged “hate crime” for criticising Islam. The charges were initially brought in 2020, when Catalonia's public prosecutor claimed that Fr. Ballester's 2016 article entitled 'The impossible dialogue with Islam' met the criteria of a 'hate crime'. If convicted, Ballester faces up to three years in prison and a fine of more than EUR 1,500.
Ahlen church closed due to repeated vandalism
March 4, 2024, GermanyDue to repeated vandalism the St Mary church in Ahlen decided to keep its doors shut outside church services. A board on the door indicates: "Currently closed due to vandalism".
Sant Antoni Abat Church smeared with red paint
March 3, 2024, SpainIn the early hours of March 3, the walls of the Sant Antoni Abat parish church have been smeared with red paint. The church is declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. The Sa Pobla Local Police have accused a group of six young people of the vandalism.
Assault on a priest during a burglary in Battipaglia
March 1, 2024, ItalyThe rectory of the Church of St Gregory VII in the Sant'Anna district of Battipaglia, in the province of Salerno, has been robbed. The burglars stole precious objects and offerings worth 30,000 euros. They also assaulted the young assistant parish priest who tried to stop them. At least six members of the gang were involved in the robbery, which took place shortly after 8pm on 1 March in the parish priest's house. The priest was rescued and taken to Santa Maria della Speranza hospital in Battipaglia. He suffered only minor injuries and bruises.
Damage to church entrance
March 1, 2024, GermanyOn March 1, an unknown perpetrator damaged the staircase in front of the Catholic parish in Waldsee, Germany, rendering it unusable for the public.
State restrictions at Navalny funeral ceremony
March 1, 2024, RussiaRussian authorities have implemented significant restrictions that interfere with Christian Orthodox funeral rituals during Navalny's burial. Many fear further violations of the right to manifest one's religion or belief by hindering the religious funeral ceremony.
Suspected Arson at St Matthew Church
March 1, 2024, GermanyIn the early hours of Friday 1 March, St Matthew's Church in Berlin was the scene of several fires. Police are investigating arson.
Consecrated Hosts and Religious Objects Stolen from Church
March 1, 2024, ItalyIn March 2024, unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of Santa Maria ad Nives in Bovalino Superiore by forcing open a side door. They stole several sacred items, including a reliquary medallion containing a hair of the Virgin Mary and the consecrated Host from the tabernacle. The theft was discovered shortly before Mass, which was then moved to another nearby church.
Theft of liturgical objects from church in Żychlin
March 1, 2024, PolandOn Friday, March 1, during the Stations of the Cross, the parish priest noticed that a lavabo, a liturgical vessel, had disappeared from the church in Żychlin. The lavabo is a jug with a bowl for washing hands during the liturgy. Additionally, a wooden cross with glasses containing fragments of rocks and sand from the Way of the Cross in Jerusalem, which was located on the main altar, was also missing.
Prayer Gathering in Frankfurt attacked
March 1, 2024, GermanyA prayer gathering conducted by "40 days for life" outside an abortion clinic was violently disrupted and the participants were threatened by a group of activists.