All cases

Nativity scene destroyed in Persico Dosimo

January 12, 2025, Italy

On the night of 11 January, unknown perpetrators seriously damaged a nativity scene in the churchyard of the Dosimo parish church. Several figures were smashed to pieces, a gesture that caused great indignation among the local population.

Church vandalised and statue destroyed in Rennes Basilica

January 12, 2025, France

Unknown perpetrators have destroyed a statue of Mary in the Saint-Aubin Basilica in Rennes. Attacks on religious symbols are a growing concern in the region.

Christ Figure Repeatedly Destroyed At Memorial Chapel in Peißenberg

January 10, 2025, Germany

The Christ figure on a field cross near the miners’ memorial chapel on the Neue Bergehalde in Peißenberg was deliberately damaged twice, with both arms broken off. The repeated targeting of the depiction of Christ has raised concern among local community members.

Sacred Objects Targeted in Catholic Church in Schleiden-Gemünd

January 10, 2025, Germany

Unknown perpetrators robbed and vandalised a Catholic church in Schleiden-Gemünd, deliberately targeting religious objects, including a gilded cross and a baptismal font. Water was removed from the font and poured onto the floor.

Repeated vandalism of Salò nativity scene

January 9, 2025, Italy

Unknown persons have vandalised the nativity scene set up by the fire brigade for the local community. The vandals not only damaged the nativity scene, but also urinated on the scene and set off a firecracker in the middle of the hay.

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.