All cases

Reformation Wall Vandalized with Rainbow Colors in Geneva

July 15, 2019, Switzerland

The monument, known as Reformation Wall, depicting Calvin, Farel, Bèze and Knox was covered in paint with the rainbow colors by unknown vandals on July 15th. The city filed a criminal complaint complaint.

Church and Chapel Vandalized in Quimper Diocese

July 14, 2019, France

During Sunday Mass on the 14 of July, parishioners learned of vandalism in both the church and chapel of the Saint-Mathieu parish in Pays d'Iroise (diocese of Quimper, Finistère). In the church of Saint-Budoc à Porspoder damage included a vandalized offertory box, cigarettes left in front of the altar of the Blessed Virgin, the door of the sacristy obstructed by the insertion of gravel in the lock, and vomit in the holy water stoups. In the Chapelle Saint-Samson à Landunvez, the most photographed chapel in France, an offertory box was vandalized and a cross thrown in the trash.

Medieval Norfolk Church Torched by Arson

July 12, 2019, United Kingdom

On July 12th, firefighters were called to a fire at St. Margaret's Ruined Church in Hopton after a motorbike was set on fire underneath the 13th century building. While the incident was ruled an arson by officials, the investigation was closed in October due to lack of evidence.

Repeated Vandalism and Thefts in the Parish Church of Mainz

July 12, 2019, Germany

The parish church in Ingelheim has repeatedly been the target of severe vandalism, as reported on the 12th of July 2019. The acts included cigarette ash in the confessional, holy water basins filled with urine, candles lighted on the altar. The church was closed because of this abuse.

Paris: Vandalism in 13th Arrondissement Church

July 11, 2019, France

An unknown person intentionally set off the alarm in the church of Saint-Hippolyte in Paris around 9:30 am on July 11th and once the church was evacuated, took the opportunity to vandalize the payment terminals for church contributions (Denier de l’Église). As a result, the church restricted its opening hours to afternoons in July and August.

Man Arrested with Cans of Gasoline in Cathedral

July 8, 2019, France

A man in his thirties was arrested on July 8th at around 7 pm, after he entered the cathedral of Sées with several cans of gasoline. Witnesses apprehended him and handed him over to the police. According to reports, the man, who suffers from psychological problems, was taken to the psychotherapeutic center of Orne for compulsory hospitalization. However no criminal prosecution will be launched against him. According to the public prosecutor, "there is a total absence of discernment. He is totally irresponsible ... No criminal action may be taken."

Two Suspicious Fires in Four Days in Bourg-Achard Church

July 2, 2019, France

Between June 26th and June 30th, two fires were discovered in the 13th century église Saint-Lô in Bourg-Achard (Eure). According to the police in charge of the investigation, there is a high probability that these two fires were deliberately set.

Spanish teenager given 6 months for death threat against Indian priest

June 26, 2019, Spain

A juvenile court has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to six months in custody for racial slurs and for threatening to kill the parish priest, a native of India, in the Malaga provincial town of Benajarafe.

Vandals Decapitate Statue of Archbishop in Ireland

June 26, 2019, Ireland

Sometime between June 26th and 27th, unknown perpetrators beheaded the marble statue of former archbischop Patrick Leahy that is only a few meters away from the main entrance of the Cathdral of the Assumption in Thurles, County Tipperary, which is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. The statue was 'an integral part of the heritage and fabric of the town of Thurles' according to superintendent Pat Murphyand and Irish police Gardaí, who are investigating and appealing for witnesses, described it as a 'wanton act of violence' to decapitate it and then steal the head.

Marseille Crucifix Vandalized for Third Time in Two Months

June 26, 2019, France

The crucifix monument on the grounds of the church of Saint-Patrice in the Croix-Rouge district was discovered defaced with red paint on June 26th. The Christ figure had been previously painted with blue paint twice in May.