All cases

Desecration in Naples: Man urinates inside church

December 2, 2024, Italy

On 2 December 2024, a case of desecration was reported at the Church of San Ferdinando, located in Piazza Trieste e Trento in Naples. Surveillance footage revealed that a male tourist entered the church, concealed himself behind the interior entrance door of the nativity scene room, and urinated inside the premises. The act was allegedly carried out with the assistance of a female companion, who acted as a lookout.

Church Façade Targeted in Night of Vandalism in Naples

December 1, 2024, Italy

On the night of 1–2 December 2024, a group of unidentified vandals caused extensive damage in the Chiaia district of Naples. They threw potted plants and vases at the façade of the Church of Santa Caterina da Siena. T

Acid instead of wine in the chalice

December 1, 2024, Italy

The Sunday mass in the church of Sant'Andrea on 1 December ended in hospital for a priest in the northern Italian community of Zignago - there was acid in the chalice instead of wine. The mass was interrupted and the congregation called the emergency services.

Vandalism of religious symbols in church

November 28, 2024, Germany

As reported on 28 November, unknown persons threw the Easter candle against the wall of St Mary's Church in Waltrop, damaged altar objects, tore a prayer book and threw other objects around the church.

Theft and desecration of Orthodox church in Trento

November 28, 2024, Italy

On 28 November 2024, an Orthodox church in Vicolo San Marco, Italy, was broken into and desecrated. The perpetrators stole cash, religious items, and Christmas gifts before defecating in the sacristy. Police are investigating the incident.

Christmas lights inside church damaged

November 27, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons have damaged the Christmas tree lights in the Catholic church in Hochstadt am Main. They destroyed candles and the lights.

Theft and desecration of religious statue

November 26, 2024, Poland

A 27-year-old man, who stole a statue of Mary from a chapel in the local church in Nowe Worowo, has been charged. He confessed the theft and public desecration of the sacred object.

Threats to Set Fire to Church

November 26, 2024, Italy

On 26 November, a 28-year-old Moroccan man damaged the door and part of the furniture of a room in an establishment in Formia that had helped him at the request of the Immaculate Heart of Mary - Don Bosco Church, and threatened to set fire to the church.

Theft and desecration in the Valdencin church

November 25, 2024, Spain

On the morning of 25 November, Father Maykel found the church of Valdencín in Santa Teresa vandalised. The sacristy was badly damaged, €80 of the collection and a silver monstrance were missing and, most devastatingly for the community, the consecrated hosts had been desecrated.

Repeated Vandalism in the Saint-Denys basilica in Argenteuil

November 25, 2024, France

The Saint-Denys basilica has been the target of several acts of vandalism since September. In the latest incident, two youths entered the Argenteuil basilica through a back door shouting "Allah Akbar". Police presence around the building has been increased. In September, the presbytery was damaged by vulgar graffiti. Two months later, a Latin cross at the entrance to the same building was damaged and partially stolen.