All cases
Spanish "TikToker" Attacked on Social Media for Being Catholic
April 30, 2022, SpainIgnacio “Nacho” Gil Conesa, a well-known Spanish "tikToker", has been attacked by other influencers for being Catholic. He goes by the name Nachter, and a few months before May 1st, he devoted his time solely to making humorous videos about typical things that happen in the house. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, he said "there are other influencers who have attacked me for being catholic," a situation he described as "ridiculous."
Vandals Looted and Damaged to Church in Leipzig
April 30, 2022, GermanyUnknown intruders broke into a church in Leipzig on April 30th and roughly searched through drawers, and cupboards, causing damage to the door of one dresser. The property damage was around 500 euros and they also stole a large amount of money. An investigation of the incident was launched by the police.
Property Damage and Attempted Theft in Pleyben Church
April 30, 2022, FranceOn April 30th, the volunteers of the Saint-Germain Church in Pleyben, were shocked to find significant amounts of property damage. The front door was damaged and judging by the broken display cases, an attempt was made to steal the religious objects. They did not know who did it.
Hands Stolen from Angel Sculpture in Bielefeld Church
April 30, 2022, GermanyThe hands from the Annunciation Angel sculpture in the Nicolai Church of Bielefeld were stolen sometime between April 30th and May 3rd. The wooden hands were not firmly secured, as they could be easily removed for transport. The community leadership asked for the thief to anonymously return them to the church.
Historic Church Stained-Glass Window Damaged with Stone
April 30, 2022, GermanyThe outer protective pane of a historically significant stained glass window of the Evangelical Church of Peace in Manching, was broken with a stone that was thrown at it. The windows were made by Arno Bromberger, who taught at the Academy of Arts in Munich and is famous for his stained glass church windows. The crime happened on April 30th but it was not known who did it.
Graffiti on Historical Church in Barcelona
April 29, 2022, SpainThe heritage church of Santa Maria del Pi, in the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona, had a large amount of graffiti painted on its façade on April 29th. As well as defacing the church, the graffiti also damaged a medieval shield as it may be difficult to remove the black and pink paint. This marked an increased amount of vandalism in the area.
Vandalism and Arson at St. Nicholas Church
April 29, 2022, United KingdomThe St. Nicholas Church in Swallow was targeted by vandalism on April 29th. Unknown perpetrators, possibly youth, took two picnic benches from the church to a park, set fire to one, and painted the other with obscene language and initials. The church was quite disappointed by the act especially since it took time to repair the damage.
Theft from Statues in Ischitella Church
April 29, 2022, ItalyThieves stole jeweled necklaces from four statues in the church of Sant ' Eustachio Martire in Ischitella, on of them being the statue of Madonna del Carmine. Although the value of the jewels was not particularly high, the sacrilege, shocked the entire religious community.
Arson attack at Dinslaken Church
April 29, 2022, GermanyUnknown arsonists set the Heilig-Geist-Church in Dinslaken Hiesfeld on fire on April 29th. The property damage was not too extensive but the shock of such a hateful attack was great.
Statue of Virgin Stolen from Pau Church
April 29, 2022, FranceA statue of the Virgin Mary was stolen from the Saint-Martin church in Pau on April 29th. People saw the man walking through the streets with the 1.5-meter statue and quickly alerted the police who then arrested him. Father Jean-Jacques Dufau said: “She was perched on one foot, on the right side of the church as you entered. I don't know how [the thief] did it."