All cases
Church vandalised with wax
August 24, 2025, GermanyA church in Beuren, Hochwald, was vandalised, including through the deliberate pouring of melted wax over seating. The incident caused damage to church property and created fire hazards inside the building.
Arson and Vandalism Desecrated Church in Panilleuse
August 23, 2025, FranceDuring the night of August 22–23, 2025, the church of Panilleuse was subjected to a serious act of vandalism. The altar was partially burned, and significant damage was inflicted, forcing the community to relocate the planned services.
Church Windows Smashed in Suspected Attempted Desecration in Palamós
August 23, 2025, SpainUnknown individuals climbed onto the roof of a church in Palamós and broke stained-glass windows in what local witnesses deemed as an attempted intrusion.
Arson Attack at Notre-Dame Church in Saint-Dizier
August 20, 2025, FranceA 20-year-old man has been arrested for attempting to start fires inside Notre-Dame church in Saint-Dizier. Thankfully, the organist was able to extinguish the fires before they could spread further. This is the fourth incident at the church in the last two years, raising safety concerns among the local community.
Churches in Carini Closed Amid Surge in Theft and Vandalism
August 18, 2025, ItalyDue to escalating thefts and vandalism, the archpriest of Carini has decided to close all churches when no religious services are scheduled, sparking concern over the loss of sacred community spaces.
Church in Granada vandalised and set on fire
August 17, 2025, SpainOn 17 August 2025, a 21-year-old man broke into the Church of Santiago Apóstol in El Pozuelo, Albuñol (Granada), smashing a stained glass window with a hammer. He then proceeded to destroy religious artefacts and set fire to items belonging to the church before locking himself inside.
Two Churches Attacked by Knife-Wielding Man, Disrupting Mass
August 16, 2025, FranceA suspected drug addict armed with a Swiss Army knife desecrated two churches near Paris, terrifying worshippers and resisting arrest.
300‑Year‑Old Outdoor Cross Destroyed by Sledgehammer
August 15, 2025, FranceA centuries‑old stone cross atop the Col de la Crouzette in Ariège was destroyed by sledgehammer attacks during the weekend of 15 August, sparking outrage among the local community.
Wooden Memorial Cross Stolen from Graveyard
August 14, 2025, United KingdomA wooden memorial cross engraved was stolen from a church graveyard in Broadhempston, causing deep distress to his family and prompting a police appeal.
Church in Mallorca Defaced with Offensive Graffiti
August 13, 2025, SpainThe parish of the Verge del Carme in Palma’s Santa Catalina neighbourhood was defaced with graffiti and offensive messages targeting the church.