All cases
Vienna Church Repeatedly Targeted by Graffiti Vandalism
December 30, 2025, AustriaSt. Johann Evangelist Church in Vienna was defaced with graffiti on December 30, 2025, including Arabic writing and an Antifa symbol. Police launched an investigation amid political condemnation and reports of repeated targeting of the site.
Nativity Scene Stolen from Brandara Parish Church
December 30, 2025, PortugalThe nativity scene at the Parish Church of Brandara, in Ponte de Lima, was stolen during the night from Monday into Tuesday.
Historic Statue of Our Lady Smashed Outside Church in Middlesbrough
December 30, 2025, United KingdomOn 30 December 2025, a statue of Our Lady outside a church in Middlesbrough was repeatedly pushed to the ground and smashed, causing extensive damage. The destruction of a long-standing Marian statue caused shock among parishioners and local residents.
Cuenca Church Vandalised After Restoration
December 30, 2025, SpainVandals targeted the recently restored Church of La Virgen de la Luz in Cuenca, Spain, defacing its walls with graffiti and damaging the historic site.
Theft of Jesus Figurine from Nativity Scene in Sopot
December 29, 2025, PolandPolice released surveillance footage after a figurine depicting Jesus was stolen from a public nativity scene in front of the Church of St George in Sopot on the night of 29 December.
Gunfire and Explosive Device Damaged Church Entrance
December 28, 2025, ItalyUnknown individuals fired gunshots and detonated an explosive device at the secondary entrance of the San Filippo Neri church in Palermo’s Zen neighborhood.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from a Spanish Church
December 28, 2025, SpainThe tabernacle of a church in Valladolid was forced and consecrated Hosts were stolen. This was the second such incident in the diocese this year, and Archbishop Luis Argüello has announced a public act of reparation.
Graffiti vandalism defaced Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Trento.
December 27, 2025, ItalyUnknown perpetrators targeted the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Trento, covering its exterior walls with large black and blue spray‑painted graffiti. The action has been condemned as anti-Christian targeting of a symbolic religious site by local authorities.
Vandalism at church in Witten during Christmas period
December 27, 2025, GermanyA Catholic church in Witten was vandalised during the Christmas period, with a window damaged and security equipment destroyed.
Arson Damages Crypt of Lourdes Parish Church
December 26, 2025, FranceFirefighters in Lourdes contained a crypt fire at the Sacré‑Cœur parish church after smoke was seen escaping the building, with investigators reporting debris used as ignition material and clear signs of unauthorised entry.