All cases

Suspect detained in the attack and robbery of a Priest in the town of Jaslo

January 29, 2023, Poland

In the street of Polskie Czerwonego Krzyża located in Jaslo, Poland, a 37-year-old suspect, has attacked and robbed a Priest who was taking a stroll for Christmas carols. The suspect wearing a hoodie and having a knife has come up to the Priest and has stolen his sachet, which contained a sprinkler, prayer book, holy pictures, and pastoral materials, but with no injuries. With the help of witnesses and shreds of evidence, the police department detained the perpetrator on January 11, 2023. The District Court of Jaslo has given him 3 months of jail time.

Swastika Sprayed Next to the Entrance Door of Church

January 28, 2023, Germany

On the afternoon of January 28., a perpetrator sprayed a red swastika symbol on the entrance door of the St. Wendelin Church in Neuses. It was reported that the act of vandalism was discovered right after the mass around 6:15 p.m.. The number 187 was also found next to it. An employee who takes care of the church, Klaus Schmitt, has removed the spray paint off from the wall.

Intended Arson: Two teenagers record themselves While Trying to set Fire To A Church

January 28, 2023, Belarus

It was reported that two 15-year-old teenage girls have caused a hate crime Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Grodno. They filmed themselves while committing this crime on January 28. It is mentioned that the girls might belong to a gothic subculture "judging from their clothes and appearance at the time they committed their act." The agency has also shared how images of swastikas were on their phones and both have been sentenced for vandalism.

Cross stolen from Doncaster church

January 28, 2023, United Kingdom

On 28 January, the church in Doncaster, Yorkshire, was broken into and various items stolen, including a brass tray and cross.

Desecration of church in Koziegłowy. A man has been arrested.

January 27, 2023, Poland

On January 27 the church of Our Lady of Fatima in Koziegłowy near Poznań was desecrated. The perpetrator was a 41-year-old man who has been arrested. He knocked over a statue of the Virgin Mary, vandalized the manger, left the figure of Jesus in the baptismal font and damaged the church's sound system. The Metropolitan Curia of Poznań has called the faithful for acts of reparation.

Cemetery in Świerczyn Severely Vandalised

January 27, 2023, Poland

On the night of 3-4 February 2023, unknown perpetrators vandalised the cemetery in Świerczyn in the Leszno district. About 30-40 gravestones were more or less damaged. In some cases slabs were toppled, vases smashed, in others grave elements were completely smashed and crosses knocked over.

Attack against two churches in Algeciras leaves one dead and at least four wounded — terrorist shouted "death to Christians"

January 25, 2023, Spain

On the evening of January 25, a jihadist terror attack targeting two Catholic churches took place in Algeciras, Spain. Y. K., a 25-year-old Moroccan, has been arrested as the sole perpetrator of the attack, which he executed with a machete. An altar server was killed, and at least four persons are injured, including a priest in serious condition. Several witnesses indicate that he conducted the attack while shouting "Allah is great" and "death to Christians".

Unknown Vandals Damage Confessionals with Burnt Cigarette Marks

January 25, 2023, Austria

On the 25th of January, unknown perpetrators damaged the confessional chairs of a church with cigarette buds. The police have described the damages located in Saalfelden, Austria as willful damage to numerous pews. The investigation is still ongoing to find out the perpetrator(s).

Graffitis and Vandalism Return to Cathedral of la Seo

January 24, 2023, Spain

The "la Seo" Cathedral in Zaragoza has been vandalized again, as reported on the 24th of January. The facade of the church was graffitied in several parts of the outer walls with random words, pro-Moroccan slogans, anti-police slogans and anarchist symbols with red and black spray paint. The Church has said they filed a complaint, and the investigations are still going on.

Third Church Attacked With Arson in Paris During one Week

January 24, 2023, France

Between the 17th and the 25th of January, three Parisian churches have been attacked with arson by unknown perpetrators. Several fires have caused shock and sadness among parishioners in Paris. The last attack was on the Church of Saint-Laurent in the 10th district on the 24th. According to the findings, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the left side of the door.