All cases

Two arson attacks on Valledoria church in 4 days

January 8, 2025, Italy

The Church of Christ the King in Valledoria has been attacked twice in a very short period of time. The first arson attack took place during the celebration of mass on 5 January, and the second only a few days later, on 8 January.

Unknown perpetrators vandalise religious figures

January 7, 2025, Germany

On the afternoon of 7 January, unknown perpetrators broke into the church of St. Francis Hochdahl in Erkhart. A leg of a religious figure, one of the Three Magi, disappeared and the burglars knocked over several other figures. Police are now investigating and looking for suspects.

Priest receives letter threatening parishioners

January 6, 2025, Italy

In early January, the priest of the San Giovanni Battista parish in Siniscola received a letter containing threats against two of his parishioners. The case is now being investigated by the police.

Debate over refusal of communion and religious autonomy rights

January 6, 2025, Spain

Rubén García de Andrés, mayor of Torrecaballeros, was denied communion by a local priest because of his homosexuality, which he denounced as homophobic. His political party is demanding an apology and threatening legal action. The Diocese of Segovia defended the priest, citing Canon 915, which allows for the denial of communion on moral grounds, and denied any accusations of homophobia. The case raised concerns about the involvement of secular groups in church affairs, which is seen as a potential threat to religious freedom.

Relics stolen from church

January 5, 2025, Germany

As reported on 1 January, unknown perpetrators stole religious relics and a nativity figure from a church in Brendlorenzen, Germany. The incident caused shock among parishioners and local clergy.

Church targeted in sacrilegious theft

January 5, 2025, Italy

Unknown perpetrators have broken into the tabernacle and stolen the vessel containing the consecrated hosts from the Catholic Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Trento.

Fire set to nativity scene in Ingolstadt

January 5, 2025, Germany

A nativity scene was burned and vandalised in the Catholic church of St Pius in Ingolstadt. The parish priest reported that "the stable was thrown over down and one figure was completely burnt".

Grave Crosses and Christ Figures Targeted in Repeated Cemetery Vandalism in Appenzell

January 5, 2025, Switzerland

Grave crosses and depictions of Christ were again deliberately damaged at a cemetery in Appenzell, marking a repeated pattern of vandalism targeting Christian symbols. The incidents have raised concern due to the specific destruction of crosses and religious figures.

Theft and Vandalism of Nativity Scene at Mother Church in Augusta

January 5, 2025, Italy

A case of theft and vandalism was reported inside the Mother Church in Augusta, involving damage to a traditional nativity scene.

Desecration and Theft at Church in Sola

January 4, 2025, Italy

Unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of San Lorenzo Martire in Sola, stealing the tabernacle containing consecrated hosts and later scattering them outside the church. As the hosts are of central religious significance in Catholic belief, the act constitutes desecration and has caused particular distress within the local parish community.