All cases
Two Christian Shrines Vandalised in Zagórz
May 23, 2025, PolandOn 23 May, two acts of vandalism were committed against Christian shrines in the Zagórz municipality. In Tarnawa Dolna, the perpetrator smashed the glass of a shrine, removed statues depicting saints, and damaged and scattered them nearby. In a second incident in Zagórz, on Batorego Street, two more shrine windows were broken.
Repeated Vandalism Reported at Historic Church in Cuevas del Almanzora
May 22, 2025, SpainA historic church in Cuevas del Almanzora has been repeatedly targeted by acts of vandalism, prompting calls for better protective measures and highlighting the vulnerability of the place of worship.
Catholic School in Terrassa Investigated for Being "Ultra-Catholic"
May 22, 2025, SpainOn 22 May 2025, the Catalan Parliament approved a motion condemning what it called “reactionary ultra-Catholic groups” in schools and urging the Government to withdraw public funding from schools found to violate fundamental rights or spread “hate speech”. The debate referred to Mare de Déu del Carme, a Catholic school in Terrassa whose religious teaching had drawn complaints from some families. The school rejected allegations of “indoctrination” and reaffirmed its Catholic identity and educational mission, but education authorities subsequently placed its curriculum and other practices under extended supervision.
Church in Vignola Defaced with Violent Political Graffiti
May 21, 2025, ItalyA church in Vignola was vandalised with politically charged and violent graffiti. The slogans, referencing historical political violence, indicate an ideological motive beyond ordinary vandalism.
Catholic cemetery and chapel vandalised
May 21, 2025, NetherlandsThe chapel and cemetery in Doorwerth were severely damaged. A statue of Mary was decapitated, a wooden cross bearing a figure of Jesus was smashed, and debris was scattered everywhere. This shocking act has left the faith community in disbelief.
Spanish Government Reports Catholic Bishop to Prosecutors over Homily on Disability
May 20, 2025, SpainOn 20 May 2025, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights reported Bishop Emeritus Juan Antonio Reig Pla to prosecutors over remarks about disability made during a homily nine days earlier, in which he talked about the dignity of persons with disability and tracing the origins of illness and disability to fallen nature. The bishop had apologised to a disability organisation and explained that he was referring to Catholic teaching on original sin and human suffering. The Ministry nevertheless asked prosecutors to consider whether his words constituted a criminal offence.
Church in Cagliari Defaced with Political and Anarchist Graffiti
May 19, 2025, ItalyA church in Cagliari was vandalised with political graffiti and an anarchist symbol. The act targeted the façade and reflects ideological messaging.
Churches in Zweibrücken Repeatedly Targeted
May 19, 2025, GermanyIn Zweibrücken, both Protestant and Catholic churches have been repeatedly vandalised, prompting concern among church leaders. Dean Peter Butz and Pastor Wolfgang Emanuel have reported ongoing damage to church buildings, including graffiti, smashed windows and cases of desecration.
Man assaulted in Berlin after revealing Christian faith
May 19, 2025, GermanyA 24-year-old man was attacked in Wedding, Berlin, after revealing that he was Christian. On the night of 19 May, he was approached by several individuals who asked him about his religious beliefs. After answering that he was Christian, he was physically assaulted and sustained serious injuries. The authorities are investigating the attack as an anti-Christian hate crime.
Church repeatedly vandalised
May 18, 2025, GermanyIn recent weeks, the Catholic Church of St Michael in Ebersbach, has been repeatedly targeted by unknown vandals who have committed acts of arson and desecration. Between 1 and 18 May, intruders started small fires in various locations within the church, including the altar and pews, sometimes using matches and paper. Some of these fires were later extinguished with holy water. The most recent incident, which occurred on Sunday, 18 May, caused several hundred euros' worth of property damage, leaving burnt marks on the carpet near the ambo and signs of tampering throughout the sacred space.