All cases

Vandals Devastate Church and Mock Priest

January 23, 2022, Italy

Due to repeated acts of vandalism in the Church of Ritiro, the parish priest, father Romeo, decided to close the church outside worship hours. He posted on Facebook at the end of January: "Due to repeated acts of vandalism in the church, most recently this morning, the church will be closed from today. It will only open before celebrations or parish activities." The mayor of Messina, Cateno de Luca, has expressed his concern and outrage regarding these incidents and announced he would go to Mass as a sign of solidarity to the priest. The mayor described incidents such as overturned candlesticks on the altar, and trash and cigarette buds found on the floor.

Graffiti on Chapel in Piétat by Unknown Vandal

January 23, 2022, France

The word "Ska" was spray-painted in black on the Notre-Dame de chapel in Piétat, France. Ska, is a music genre that originated in 1950s Jamaica and seems to have no relevance to the chapel. Despite this, it was a deliberate act to deface the side of a religious building.

Vandalism of Church Objects in Chaumont

January 23, 2022, France

Vandalism that occurred in 2021, to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste basilica, was finally reported during the general meeting of the Innovatis Basilica association. Burnt papers were found in the entrance to the church and several urns had been damaged. Some candles had also been stolen and it has been suggested that cameras be installed to prevent such actions in the future.

Greek Ministry Report: Anti-Christian Attacks make up approx. 93% of all Anti-Religious Hate Crimes in 2020

January 22, 2022, Greece

Greece’s Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has released a report showing that between 2015 to 2020 there have been 2,339 incidents of desecration of Greek Orthodox churches. This means these churches are the main target among all religious groups in the country, as they make up approximately 93% of the cases. In 2020 alone, there were 404 attacks against religious spaces: 385 attacks were against Christians, while there were less than 10 attacks to any other religion.

Expensive Chalice Stolen from Church in Poland

January 22, 2022, Poland

A gold plated chalice worth several thousand zlotys was stolen from St. Martin's Church in Kepno, Poland on February 22nd. The chalice was later found in a dumpster and recovered. Investigators guess there were two thieves but they have not been found.

32 Nativity Figures Stolen from Saint-Pierre Church in Palavas-los-Flots

January 21, 2022, France

32 figures were stolen from the nativity scene at the Saint - Pierre church in Palavas - los - Flots on 21. January. Their total value was estimated to be around 300 euros. The visual artist, Marie-Pierre Guilhot, who had compiled the scene was especially saddened by the theft and said: “As a Catholic, you should forgive but here I find it difficult to forgive.

Municipality in Spain Takes Down Cross in Parish Church

January 21, 2022, Spain

The mayor of Villagarcía de Arosa began the demolition of the cross of the parish church, in late January 2022. The removal will be undertaken under the Historical Memory Law and will cost more than 1,000 euros, according to the PSOE government team. On social media, the political party VOX wrote: "infamy is being committed. A theft of our history and our faith. The local PSOE allows it with financial help from the Diputación".

Burglary and Theft in Szczytno Church

January 20, 2022, Poland

A 25-year-old man, was found inside the basement of a Church in Szczytno by the pastor, on the 20th of January. Upon investigation, it was found that the intruder had broken three widows of the church and had then attempted to steal three items worth a combined value of 5,000 zlotys.

German Evangelical Pastor Receives Death Threats

January 20, 2022, Germany

The police in Germany has communicated that a pastor from Herne, Melanie Jansen, who regularly organises peace prayers on Saturdays (parallel to Covid-19 protests), has received death threats. The State Protection Service is now investigating, as the persons from the two incidents until now were unknown. The Evangelical Church in Rhineland has condemned these threats and have expressed solidarity towards this colleague and "sister in Christ".

Vandals Tagged Church Walls and Door with Blasphemous Words

January 20, 2022, Italy

In Muggio, the façade of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Castagno was found covered with blasphemous taggs on the 21st of January. The walls and the entrance door of the church were vandalised by unknown perpetrators, with the words "Dio cane" (Dog God). According to the news outlet "Today", the places of worship in the city had been attacked with arson in recent weeks and in the summer. The community was very affected by this incident and volunteers have cleaned the walls.