All cases
Theft and Arson in Church
April 10, 2024, ItalyAt the church of Castelvecchio di Compito in the Lucca region, a 37-year-old man stole objects worth over 10,000 euros from the oratory, which included liturgical objects dating back to the early 19th century such as two candelabra and a wooden canopy. He set fire to the parish premises and fled.
Germany Issues Deportation Order for Iranian Convert
April 10, 2024, GermanyThe administrative office for foreigners of Central Franconia, Germany, has issued a deportation order for an Iranian convert. According to the media, the lawyer has confirmed the conversion to Christianity of the Iranian asylum seeker. The lawyer also said that his client had been warned by his mother not to return to Iran because otherwise he would be arrested.
Arson attack on derelict church in Bishop Auckland
April 10, 2024, United KingdomOn April 10, the derelict St John's Church in Bishop Auckland was set on fire. The police have confirmed they are treating the blaze as arson.
Vandalism at St. Athanasius Monastery Church
April 9, 2024, North MacedoniaThe church of St. Athanasius monastery in Tetovo has been broken in, all the windows were broken and serious material damage was done.
Purse stolen During Prayer at Mass
April 8, 2024, ItalyDuring mass on Monday, a pickpocket stole a purse containing about 100 Euro and the woman’s phone in the church of Sant'Aniello Abate in Cosenza. The theft happened while the woman was praying.
Archbishop receives criminal conviction for criticising Russia's war in Ukraine
April 8, 2024, RussiaAccording to the religious freedom watchdog organisation Forum 18, Archbishop Viktor Pivovarov has become the fifth person to receive a criminal conviction for criticising Russia's war in Ukraine from a religious perspective. On April 8, he was found guilty of repeatedly "discrediting" the Russian Armed Forces after condemning the war as "aggressive" and "Satanic" in his sermons.
Religious Statue vandalised
April 8, 2024, ItalyUnknown vandals desecrated a Marian shrine in the hamlet of Salvandine in Serle, northern Italy. A citizen found the statue of Mary shattered and broken in two, likely after being struck with stones.
Someone damages Bible in church
April 8, 2024, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator damaged a Gospel on display in the church of Zapfendorf on Tuesday 8 April. The book was damaged to the value of around 300 euros.
Vandalism at Lourdes Grotto
April 7, 2024, BelgiumOver the weekend, pedestals of a Lourdes Grotto were destroyed by vandals.
Vandalism at Burgdorf Church
April 7, 2024, GermanyIn the night from Saturday to Sunday, unknown perpetrators caused damage to two window panes of the St. Pancratius Church in Burgdorf. The damage was estimated at 500 euros. This is another incidence of vandalism after instances in the Novembers of 2022 and 2020.