All cases
Pietà Stolen in Repeated Targeting of Church in Gütersloh
February 10, 2025, GermanyA historic Pietà depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ was stolen from a church in Gütersloh, directly targeting a central Christian devotional object. The theft is part of repeated incidents affecting the same parish.
Nice Church Attacker Sentenced to Life Without Parole
February 10, 2025, FranceBrahim Aouissaoui, the terrorist who murdered three Christians in Nice’s Notre Dame Basilica in 2020, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The court confirmed his jihadist ideology and premeditated intent to kill 'infidels'.
Two churches in Wurzen attacked with arson
February 9, 2025, GermanyOn 9 February, two churches in Wurzen were set on fire by unknown perpetrators. Fortunately, in both cases police officers were able to extinguish the fires before any major damage was done. However, the total damage at both locations is estimated at around 2,000 euros. The police are now investigating the attacks.
Two churches in Hamburg attacked
February 8, 2025, GermanyOn the night of 7-8 February, unknown perpetrators attacked two churches in Hamburg, causing serious damage at both locations. Stones and pyrotechnics were used to vandalise the religious buildings. Police are now investigating whether the incidents are connected.
Arson and vandalism on Marigliano church
February 7, 2025, ItalyA 40-year-old man was arrested after a serious attack on a church in Marigliano on 7 February. The man set fire to the church door and destroyed several statues and furnishings in the churchyard. After a rapid investigation, police were able to identify and arrest the suspect.
Arson and vandalism at parish premises in Genoa
February 7, 2025, ItalyOn 7 February, the police and fire brigade were called to the parish centre next to the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Genoa. The authorities found a piece of wooden furniture set on fire and several blasphemous phrases and swastikas written on the walls. The police are now investigating the attack.
Lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools
February 6, 2025, SpainA report by FEREDE highlights the lack of access to evangelical religious education in Spanish schools, which in some cases amounts to restrictions of parental rights to educate their children in conformity with their beliefs.
Church organ vandalised twice in two months
February 6, 2025, GermanyAfter a first episode of vandalism of the organ of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bretten-Büchig in December 2024, a similar attack took place earlier this month. In both cases, an unknown perpetrator poured a large amount of liquid over the organ, causing around €6000 worth of damage. The church remained closed for several days after the incident.
Statue of Virgin Mary destroyed in Poland
February 6, 2025, PolandOn the night of 5-6 February, an unknown perpetrator used a metal rod to destroy the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in the parish church of St Jadwiga Śląska near Łomża. The damage is estimated at around PLN 3,000. The police have been called to the scene and are now looking for the suspect.
Liturgical Book Desecrated Krosno Church
February 6, 2025, PolandA man vandalised a liturgical book in the parish church of the Holy Trinity in Krosno. The suspect is now charged with disturbing the rite and insulting religious feelings.