All cases
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.
Karlskirche in Vienna Targeted with Political Graffiti
May 15, 2025, AustriaA church in Vienna was vandalised with politically motivated graffiti, including pro-Palestinian slogans. The incident forms part of repeated vandalism affecting the site.
Repeated vandalism in Essen - Muslim youths start campaign to protect church
May 15, 2025, GermanyThe church in Essen-Altendorf is increasingly being plagued by vandalism. The Kreuzeskirche, a historic Protestant church located in the city center, has recently been subjected to vandalism. Unknown perpetrators defaced the church's exterior by spray-painting a skull image on its walls adding to the problem of repeatedly broken windows.
San Francisco Parish Wall Vandalized In Response to Church Festivities
May 13, 2025, SpainGraffiti criticizing firework use during Rute’s May Festivities defaced the parish of San Francisco, prompting condemnation from local religious leaders and discussions of joint action with the City Council.
Attempted arson at the Church of Sant'Agnese
May 12, 2025, ItalyEarly on 12 May 2025, an attempted arson attack was carried out on the small church of Sant’Agnese in Città Sant’Angelo, Abruzzo. The wooden entrance door was set alight using a flammable liquid, but the quick action of local residents and firefighters prevented further damage. This incident followed an act of vandalism just four days earlier, when the glass of a votive shrine in the Crocifisso area was shattered.
Second arson attack on St Mary's Chapel in one year
May 12, 2025, GermanyOn the evening of 12 May, St Mary's Chapel at St Margaret's Parish Church in Kahl am Main was targeted with arson for the second time this year. A church pew with seat cushions caught fire in a side wing of the building, causing toxic smoke to spread throughout the entire church. Although the flames had largely extinguished themselves by the time firefighters arrived, extensive smoke damage had been caused. The police are now searching for the arsonist.
Priest attacked by youths who threatened to set fire to his church
May 10, 2025, FranceOn the evening of 10 May, a group of young people approached the priest of the parish of Montfavet in Avignon and asked to enter the church, saying that they wanted to convert to Christianity. When they went in, they insulted the priest, shouted "Allah Akbar" and declared that they wanted to burn the building down, and then fled.
Repeat Vandalism Hits Church One Year On
May 10, 2025, ItalyThe Church of Sant’Angelo Magno in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, was targeted by vandals for the second consecutive year. The perpetrators forced their way into the church and caused significant damage. Local residents, alerted by the noise, contacted the parish priest and the police. The swift response of the authorities caused the vandals to flee through the rear of the church.
Chemical Attack Targets Christian Congress
May 10, 2025, GermanyA butyric acid attack took place at the Christian “Leben.Würde” congress at the Schönblick conference centre in Schwäbisch Gmünd, resulting in disruption and damage to the venue.