All cases

Priest Stabbed in Madrid

September 24, 2020, Spain

On the morning of 24 September, Javier Contreras Beorlegui, a priest from the diocese of Getafe was stabbed as he prepared to open the church San Josemaría de Alcorcón. He was stabbed in the upper body and received two cuts on the arm. The incident was witnessed and the police were called. The attacker was then taken to the psychiatric area of Alcorón Hospital and the priest to the hospital.

Pope John Paul II's Blood Relic Stolen from Spoleto Cathedral

September 23, 2020, Italy

On 23 September, the sacristan discovered the theft of Pope John Paul II's relic, a gold and crystal casing with drops of his blood, which was kept and venerated in the Chapel of the Crucifix of the Cathedral Basilica of Spoleto. The Carabinieri Company of Spoleto began investigations and have identified a perpetrator. Archbishop Renato Boccardo expressed his dismay and called for those responible to return the precious relic.

Priest Threatened with Death and Church Damaged

September 23, 2020, Italy

On September 23rd, a man broke into the church San Claudio dei Sacramentini, in the Piazza San Silvestro and threatened the parish priest with death with a metal pole. Then, he broke church furnishing and glass, threw the lectern on the floor, and damaged part of the altar. He was arrested by police officers on the spot.

Deportation of Convert Refugee Threatened with Death Penalty in Afghanistan

September 22, 2020, Germany

Naser R. is a refugee who converted to Christianity and threatened with death penalty in Afghanistan because of his conversion. He has been living in Hof since 2016 and visited St. Michael Church. He got baptized in the Church and since then, he became a member of the community. The young man is to be deported to Afghanistan, where he would face the death penalty. The Dean Günter Saalfrank and the honorary refugee commissioner of the Deanery of Hof wants to take action.

Church of Sant’Agata al Collegio Devastated for a Second Time

September 22, 2020, Italy

Sant'Agata Church was devastated for the second time on September 22nd. The tomb containing the saint's relics was ravaged, the tabernacle was broken, and consecrated hosts were stolen. Representations of the Mother of God were also destroyed. Two men have already been arrested, according to Italian media reports. The Ministry of the Interior promised funds to implement a video surveillance system and improve security measures.

Saint George Church in Lesbos is Desecrated For The Second Time

September 21, 2020, Greece

On the week the 21, September, the Church of Saint George, in the vicinity of the town Moria in Lesbos, was vandalized for a second time. The Images and furniture have been destroyed by migrants who stayed and camped at the church after the fire broke out in Moria's Refugee Camp. When the group left, there was garbage inside and outside the church, apart from the items being broken.

Arson, Desecration and Profanation of Church in Pérols

September 20, 2020, France

On September 20th, a man desecrated the Church of Saint Sixtus II in Pérols. He vandalized equipment, setting fire to song and prayer sheets, a table, part of a pew and a veil. He also tried to set some fabric on fire, but it was fireproof. Then the man grabbed a cross from the altar and threw it to the organ. The man also spit several times on the ground and the priest's deck and urinated and defecated between benches. He was traced, thanks to the cameras in the church, and was arrested by the police because of attempted robbery in Auchan. A police officer recognized the man through a photo published by the priest of the parish.

Theft of Money and Sacred Objects from Parish Office in Martinshöhe

September 20, 2020, Germany

In the night of 20 to 21 September, unknown perpetrators forcefully open the windows of the Heiliger Bruder Konrad parish house in Martinshöhe and ransacked the parish office. They also tried to break into the church and the sacristy, but they were not successful. Sacred objects and a four-figure sum of money were stolen; the overall property damage reaches five figures.

Vandalism of Church Twice in a Week

September 20, 2020, Germany

In the past two weeks, vandals have raged in the city church twice. Shoe marks were found on the altar cloth, and this showing that someone walked on it. The Candles and sacrificial lights were smudged and poured out and wax was distributed in the pews. The parish priest has put signs on the doors, asking the population to keep an eye on the town church. Last year in summer the church was also vandalized several times. The pastor warned that, if there is another case, they will file a complaint.

Vandalism of Catholic Church before Holy Mass in Remembrance of Aborted Children

September 19, 2020, Germany

On the night of 18th to 19th September, the historical church St. Marien am Behnitz and the outer walls of the playground were found vandalized with slogans, like "Abortion is a Human Right. The perpetrators were eventually against Pro-Life movements. The police put charges, although they did not charge any damage to property, because it was pasted wallpaper.