All cases
Church in Vignola Defaced with Violent Political Graffiti
May 21, 2025, ItalyA church in Vignola was vandalised with politically charged and violent graffiti. The slogans, referencing historical political violence, indicate an ideological motive beyond ordinary vandalism.
Catholic cemetery and chapel vandalised
May 21, 2025, NetherlandsThe chapel and cemetery in Doorwerth were severely damaged. A statue of Mary was decapitated, a wooden cross bearing a figure of Jesus was smashed, and debris was scattered everywhere. This shocking act has left the faith community in disbelief.
Church in Cagliari Defaced with Political and Anarchist Graffiti
May 19, 2025, ItalyA church in Cagliari was vandalised with political graffiti and an anarchist symbol. The act targeted the façade and reflects ideological messaging.
Churches in Zweibrücken Repeatedly Targeted
May 19, 2025, GermanyIn Zweibrücken, both Protestant and Catholic churches have been repeatedly vandalised, prompting concern among church leaders. Dean Peter Butz and Pastor Wolfgang Emanuel have reported ongoing damage to church buildings, including graffiti, smashed windows and cases of desecration.
Man assaulted in Berlin after revealing Christian faith
May 19, 2025, GermanyA 24-year-old man was attacked in Wedding, Berlin, after revealing that he was Christian. On the night of 19 May, he was approached by several individuals who asked him about his religious beliefs. After answering that he was Christian, he was physically assaulted and sustained serious injuries. The authorities are investigating the attack as an anti-Christian hate crime.
Church repeatedly vandalised
May 18, 2025, GermanyIn recent weeks, the Catholic Church of St Michael in Ebersbach, has been repeatedly targeted by unknown vandals who have committed acts of arson and desecration. Between 1 and 18 May, intruders started small fires in various locations within the church, including the altar and pews, sometimes using matches and paper. Some of these fires were later extinguished with holy water. The most recent incident, which occurred on Sunday, 18 May, caused several hundred euros' worth of property damage, leaving burnt marks on the carpet near the ambo and signs of tampering throughout the sacred space.
Consecrated Hosts Desecrated in Church in Venegono Superiore
May 16, 2025, ItalyA church in Venegono Superiore was desecrated after perpetrators overturned the tabernacle and scattered consecrated hosts on the ground. The act directly targeted elements central to Catholic worship and deeply affected the local community.
Double arson attacks at Sweden's church
May 15, 2025, SwedenIn May 2025, the historic wooden church in Älvsbyn, Sweden, fell victim to two suspected arson attacks within a short period of time. The first incident occurred on 11 May, when the remains of a small fire were discovered on the church's porch. The second attack took place shortly before 3 am on 15 May, when a fire was started at the entrance to the church. The police are investigating the attacks as arson.
Tabernacle Damaged in Church in Lyon
May 15, 2025, FranceA man was arrested inside a church in Lyon after damaging the tabernacle and a donation box. The act directly targeted objects of central importance to Catholic worship.
Repeated Thefts and Acts of Desecration Target Church of San Ferdinando in Naples
May 15, 2025, ItalyA church in Naples was targeted by repeated thefts and acts of vandalism. The incidents included damage to religious objects and behaviour perceived as disrespectful toward the sacred character of the site.