All cases
Second Arson at Peine Church Within Two Months
August 27, 2025, GermanyA fire was deliberately set near the side entrance of the Church of the Holy Angels in Peine, marking the second such arson attack in two months and also following a cemetery desecration, prompting a state security investigation.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Taurianova in Second Theft Within Days
August 26, 2025, ItalyOn 26 August 2025, unknown perpetrators targeted a church in Taurianova, where the tabernacle was desecrated and consecrated hosts were stolen. The deliberate targeting of the Eucharist constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context and occurred amid a second theft affecting the same parish within days.
Tabernacle Forced and Consecrated Host Stolen from Church in Bidache
August 26, 2025, FranceOn 26 August 2025, unknown perpetrators forced open the tabernacle of a church in Bidache and stole a ciborium and a lunule containing a large consecrated host. The theft of the Eucharist constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context.
Excrements Smeared on Church Wall
August 24, 2025, ItalyThe historic Sant’Antonio al Seggio church in Aversa was vandalised with human excrement near its entrance, prompting public outrage and calls for stronger protection of churches.
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.