All cases

Relic containing the blood of a Polish priest was stolen from a church

May 9, 2022, United Kingdom

The St. Nicholas Church in Boston was the victim of a burglary on the night between the 9th and 10th of May. One of the stolen items was the reliquary containing the blood of Jerzy Popieluszko, a Polish priest who was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in 2009. The police are investigating.

Church in Lomellina Vandalized

May 8, 2022, Italy

On May 8th, vandals forced their way into the interior of the Santa Croce church in Lomellina. There, they damaged the the votive candle lighting system and ransacked the priest's office. No valuable appeared to be stolen but extent of the damage had not been properly assessed.

Destruction of Tombs and Crosses in Piekary Śląskie Cemetery

May 8, 2022, Poland

Around 30 graves were destroyed by unknown vandals in the St. Józef cemetery of Piekary Śląskie on May 8th. Tombstones were pushed over and crosses were broken in an act that showed complete disrespect for a place that is sacred to so many. The crime was investigated with the support of forensic technicians who were trying identify the villains.

Anglican Chapel Severly Vandalised and Mocked

May 8, 2022, United Kingdom

St. Mary's church near Saxton, Yorkshire, which is an important listed building, was vandalized by anonymous intruders on May 8th. A volunteer group that takes care of the chapel wrote on Facebook: "A sickening sight this morning...litter, smashed vases, glass everywhere, and worst of all the crosses broken too. To add insult to injury, a note of apology with a fake phone number," was also left there. The chapel stands in an isolated field and has often been a place of refuge.

Arson and Property Damage in Bobingen Church

May 8, 2022, Germany

Unknown people entered the Liebfrauen church in Bobingen and damaged several seat cushions and benches. On May 8th, they took the sacrificial candles that were in the church, and after lighting them, used them to burn holes in the furniture. An investigation was launched by the police and the damage was estimated at around 400 euros.

Theft and Vandalism in Ostellato Church

May 8, 2022, Italy

When the priests arrived at the Ostellato parish of "Santissimi Pietro e Paolo" on Sunday the 8th of May to prepare mass, they found that intruders had stolen the offerings and some golden objects after forcing their way through the back door during the night. The property damage was around 6,000 euros, which was not covered by insurance. The carabinieri started an investigation and hope to find the perpetrators.

116 Spiritual Sites Destroyed Since Russian Invasion of Ukraine

May 7, 2022, Ukraine

Between February 24th, when Russia first invaded Ukraine, and May 7th, there have been 116 spiritually significant buildings destroyed. 91 of these buildings were Orthodox churches while the rest, were Mosques, Synagogues, Catholic and Protestant churches, and buildings of religious organizations. Most of these ruined sites were in the regions of Donetsk, Kyiv, and Kharkiv. The war in Ukraine has caused a divide, especially in the Christian Orthodox Church which has led Russia to ban the Ukraine Orthodox Church and Ukraine to attempt a similar ban on the Russian Orthodox Church.

Two Holy Water Fonts Stolen from Different Cemeteries

May 7, 2022, Germany

On the 7th of May, two holy water fonts were stolen. One was stolen from the cemetery in Hittisau and the other was from the cemetery in Egg-Großdorf. It was not known who did it but witnesses were being asked to provide more information.

Churchyard in Ruvo di Puglia Vandalized

May 6, 2022, Italy

The churchyard of the San Rocco church in Ruvo di Puglia, was vandalized on May 6th by unknown perpetrators. Diesel was sprinkled around which caused damage to the sidewalk and floor. Municipal councilor Mariatiziana Rugliani thought the cameras may be able to help identify who did it. He also said of the incident: "An ignoble act, a meaningless disfigurement to a sacred place and to those who lovingly guard it."

Vandalism to Evangelical Church in Vöcklabruck

May 6, 2022, Austria

The evangelical church in Vöcklabruck, Austria, was vandalized on Friday the 6th of May. Three lights on the pathway outside the church were kicked over, and notices, brochures, leaflets, and prayer books were scattered all over the inside of the church. The microphones were damaged and the offering box was broken open from which money was then stolen. The amount of damage was not entirely clear but the police were investigating.