All cases
Church Appeals Public Order Notice Restricting Street Outreach in Colchester
May 1, 2026, United KingdomBread of Life Community Church in Colchester, Essex, is appealing against a Community Protection Notice (CPN) restricting its street outreach. The notice is believed to be an unprecedented use of public-order legislation against an entire church, rather than individual street preachers, and raises concerns as it addresses not only the manner of preaching but also the content of religious messaging.
Lib Dems Admit Religious Discrimination Against Former Candidate
April 29, 2026, United KingdomThe Liberal Democrat party has admitted religious discrimination against journalist David Campanale following a four-year legal dispute over his deselection as a parliamentary candidate. Campanale had been removed after expressing Christian views on issues such as abortion and assisted suicide. The case has raised serious concerns about the treatment of individuals holding religious convictions within political parties and the potential impact on participation in public life.
Statue of Mary Desecrated with Red Paint in Zhovkva
April 28, 2026, UkraineIn Zhovkva, Lviv region, a statue of the Mary has been desecrated in the city’s central square with red liquid poured over the statue. A man has been identified and arrested.
Crucifix destroyed in Santarcangelo church vandalism
April 28, 2026, ItalyThe stone crucifix outside the Church of San Martino dei Mulini in Santarcangelo di Romagna was destroyed overnight in what authorities describe as a deliberate act of sacrilege. The incident is part of a series of attacks on religious symbols in the area.
Charges Dropped Against Christian Woman for Holding Sign in "Buffer Zone" Case
April 27, 2026, United KingdomOn 27 April, Glasgow Sheriff Court dismissed criminal charges against a Christian woman, Rose Docherty, who had been arrested for peacefully offering consensual conversation within a designated “buffer zone”, finding that the prosecution had failed to disclose an offence. However, the case may be reopened if prosecutors present further evidence. Docherty was the first person charged under Scotland’s 2024 “buffer zone” law after standing near a Glasgow hospital with a sign reading: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.”
Valenciennes church vandalised with destruction of religious statues and objects
April 26, 2026, FranceThe Saint-Géry church in Valenciennes was targeted in an act of vandalism, with several religious objects and artworks damaged, including a station of the cross and a statue titled Le Silence. The incident follows a previous episode at the same church, and a man was arrested in connection with the latest case.
Tabernacle desecrated and consecrated hosts stolen in Saint-Louis
April 25, 2026, FranceThe Church of Saint John Paul II in Saint-Louis was burglarised and desecrated, with the tabernacle broken into and the consecrated hosts stolen, prompting strong condemnation from local authorities.
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Zagreb Targeted in Nighttime Vandalism Attack
April 23, 2026, CroatiaThe Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Zagreb was targeted in a nighttime attack in which unidentified individuals threw objects at the building, shattering stained-glass windows and damaging church property. The incident occurred on a day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Statues of Mary and Joseph Smashed in Vandalism Attack
April 21, 2026, FranceNotre-Dame Church in Surgères, France, was targeted in an act of vandalism in which two religious statues were broken and the church organ damaged.
Man charged with assault of priest during Mass at Ennis Cathedral
April 20, 2026, IrelandA man assaulted a Catholic priest during Mass at St Peter and St Paul Cathedral in Ennis, causing facial injuries and damaging personal property. The incident involved physical violence and disruption of worship in front of members of the congregation. The suspect has been charged and appeared before court.
Church façade severely defaced with satanic inscriptions in Trzebinia
April 19, 2026, PolandSatanic graffiti extensively defaced the façade of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Trzebinia, Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Large inscriptions and symbols covering a significant portion of the exterior wall sparked outrage among residents and prompted a police investigation.
Series of Attacks on sacred statues across Frosinone Province
April 18, 2026, ItalyA series of vandalism incidents targeting sacred statues has been reported in the province of Frosinone, Italy, with multiple cases occurring within a few days. On 18 April 2026, statues in Ceccano and Pofi were found decapitated inside public votive niches. Authorities confirm that at least six similar episodes have recently been recorded across the province.
Cemetery near Rennes vandalised in grave desecration involving Christian symbols
April 18, 2026, FranceAround thirty graves were vandalised in the cemetery of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, near Rennes, between 18 and 20 April 2026. The damage included broken Christian crosses, shattered funerary objects and a statue of the Virgin Mary torn from its base.
Arson attack targets Catrezzato church
April 17, 2026, ItalyA 50-year-old man has been identified and reported to authorities after entering the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul in Castrezzato and setting fire to decorative fabrics on two side altars.
Repeated vandalism against Cathedral Bitonto
April 17, 2026, ItalyActs of vandalism have been reported in Piazza Cattedrale, where the Cathedral façade and a historic obelisk were damaged during an incident involving repeated impacts with a motorcycle helmet involving minors.
Pastor’s Home in Cottbus Targeted in Political Vandalism Attack
April 17, 2026, GermanyThe residence of a local lutheran pastor in Cottbus was deliberately targeted in a vandalism attack with a suspected right-extremist background. Perpetrators allegedly broke into the residential building, rioted in the staircase, kicked an apartment door and left stickers with right-wing symbols and inscriptions on the mailbox of the pastor, who is known for his political left-wing activism.
Cemeteries in Mayenne and Brittany vandalised in series of thefts of religious statues
April 16, 2026, FranceSince early April 2026, multiple cemeteries across Mayenne, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan have been targeted in a series of thefts and acts of vandalism in which bronze statuettes of the Virgin Mary were removed from graves.
Suspected Arson at Arnsberg’s Church of Our Lady Amid Rising Vandalism Incidents
April 14, 2026, GermanyPolice in Arnsberg are investigating a suspected case of arson after burn marks were discovered inside the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche). Emergency services were alerted on Tuesday evening when smoke was noticed inside the building. The incident comes amid a growing number of vandalism and damage cases reported at the same church.
Cross of Aneto summit deliberately cut down and removed in act of vandalism
April 14, 2026, SpainThe historic cross that stood at the 3,404-metre summit of Aneto has been cut down and thrown from the mountain in a deliberate act of vandalism. Spain’s Guardia Civil has opened an investigation, with early indications pointing to the use of a power tool to sever the structure at its base.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Dampierre-les-Bois
April 13, 2026, FranceA burglary accompanied by extensive damage targeted the church of Dampierre-les-Bois during the night of 13–14 April 2026. Among the items stolen was a ciborium containing consecrated hosts. The parish priest described the act as “More than a simple theft, it’s desecration!”, expressing deep shock at what he characterised as an attack on the sacred.
Sculpture of Christ vandalised in Seine-et-Marne
April 12, 2026, FranceA sculpture of Christ located in front of the church of Saint-Pathus was vandalised between the evening of 12 April and the morning of 13 April. The damage was described as deliberate, and French gendarmerie have opened an investigation to identify the perpetrator.
Man Violently Assaults Christian Woman After Asking Her Religion
April 11, 2026, SpainA 19-year-old man was arrested in Barcelona after allegedly assaulting a woman while also insulting her as “Christian whore”. The attack took place in the early hours near La Rambla after the suspect asked the victim about her religion.
Statue of Padre Pio Decapitated Inside San Benedetto Abbey in Frosinone
April 10, 2026, ItalyA statue of Padre Pio was found decapitated inside the Abbey Church of San Benedetto in Frosinone. Police confirmed the damage after responding to a report and have launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
Villigen Church and Cemetery Grounds Face Repeated Vandalism and Property Damage
April 9, 2026, SwitzerlandAuthorities in Villigen report an increase in vandalism and disrespectful behaviour on church and cemetery grounds in Rein. The municipality has called on the public to act responsibly and report any further incidents.
Mutilated Christ Statue Found in Soria Cemetery in Suspected Ritual Case
April 7, 2026, SpainA mutilated statue of Christ was discovered on a grave in the cemetery of Soria, with missing limbs and red-painted hair. The discovery has raised suspicions of a possible ritual-related act.
Man arrested after axe attack allegedly stated “All Christians must die”
April 7, 2026, SpainA man of Maghrebi origin was arrested in Montefrío, Granada, after attacking several neighbours with an axe. During the incident and subsequent arrest, he allegedly shouted “All Christians must die” and “I have felt the call of Allah”. The Civil Guard has stepped up its presence in the town to prevent further disturbances as investigations whether the attack was religiously motivated are ongoing. The victims suffered head and hand injuries.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen and Scattered in Church of Sant’Anna in Palizzi
April 6, 2026, ItalyConsecrated hosts were removed from the tabernacle and scattered inside the Church of Sant’Anna in Palizzi on April 6. The parish priest reported the incident to authorities, and a Mass of reparation was announced.
Chapel Destroyed by Fire in Vechta: Police Suspect Arson
April 6, 2026, GermanyA small chapel in the Telbrake district of Vechta was destroyed by fire on Easter Monday. Police have launched an investigation on suspicion of arson.
Man enters church in Arpajon shouting “Allah akbar” and shoves worshipper
April 4, 2026, FranceA man entered Saint-Clément Church in Arpajon, France, during Easter weekend, shouting “Allah akbar” before knocking over objects and physically pushing a worshipper. The incident involved disruption of worship and physical aggression inside a place of worship. The suspect was arrested by police at the scene.
Man Interrupts Easter Vigil Mass Shouting Blasphemies at Sanctuary in Rome
April 4, 2026, ItalyOn 4 April 2026, an individual entered a church in Rome during the Easter Vigil Mass and shouted a blasphemous statement before fleeing. The disruption occurred during one of the most significant celebrations in the Christian calendar and caused distress among worshippers.
Easter Desecration Sainte-Anne-d’Auray Church Claimed by Antifa Collective
April 4, 2026, FranceDuring the night of 4–5 April 2026, the Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in Brittany was targeted with posters and hostile slogans in an action claimed by the Gwened Antifa Crew. The incident, carried out during Easter celebrations.
Explosion Targets Nijkerk Christian Pro-Israel Center Ahead of Easter
April 3, 2026, NetherlandsOn 03 April 2026, an explosive device was detonated outside the Israel Centre operated by Christians for Israel in Nijkerk, the Netherlands.The attack occurred on the eve of Easter, a timing the Christian organisation described as particularly significant and disturbing.
Two Ukrainian Orthodox Churches Attacked on Good Friday
April 3, 2026, UkraineOn Good Friday, April 3, 2026, Russian forces attacked two Ukrainian Orthodox churches: the Cathedral of the Intercession of St. Nicholas in Druzhkivka and the Greek-Sophia Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kherson.
Oviedo Easter Procession Disturbed With Insults
April 3, 2026, SpainOn 3 April 2026, two men were arrested in Oviedo after disrupting a Holy Week procession and engaging in aggressive behaviour toward police. The incident involved verbal hostility indicating radical religious motives toward the event and escalated into physical violence.
Police guard church in Wierzenica amid reported arson threats near Poznań
April 3, 2026, PolandReports of arson threats against a historic wooden church in Wierzenica near Poznań have led to heightened security measures, with police officers deployed to guard the building continuously for nearly two weeks.
Saint-Laurent Church Vandalised on Holy Thursday
April 2, 2026, FranceOn Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Saint-Laurent Church in Rosny-sous-Bois was broken into and severely damaged. The main doors were smashed, lamps torn down, and the sacristy door and frame attacked with axes.
Suspected Arson at Church Cemetery in Dorset
April 1, 2026, United KingdomA fire that broke out in the early hours at St George’s Church cemetery in Dorchester is believed to have been started deliberately.
Anti-religious graffiti discovered at school premises in Vienna-Liesing
March 31, 2026, AustriaAnti-religious and derogatory graffiti was discovered around the entrance of the St. Ursula schools in Vienna-Liesing, Austria. The inscriptions included slogans targeting religious belief and referencing Christian prayer. The case constitutes vandalism involving ideological messaging in a visible public setting.
Series of Fires and Vandalism Reported in Hildesheim Churches
March 30, 2026, GermanyA fire in the parish garden of St. Godehard Church in Hildesheim has raised concerns after church authorities reported further serious acts of vandalism affecting local churches. Among the incidents disclosed was the discovery of urine in a baptismal font, a particularly disturbing act of desecration.
Thieves Utter Blasphemy Inside Church
March 29, 2026, ItalyUnknown perpetrators stole offerings from the parish church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Ancona, Italy, and reportedly shouted blasphemies inside the church during the incident. The case was presented in local reporting not only as theft, but as an act marked by contempt for a Christian place of worship.
Beheaded Statue of Mary in Klein-Winternheim
March 29, 2026, GermanyUnknown perpetrators beheaded a statue of Mary in a Marian grotto located in Klein-Winternheim. The offenders also damaged devotional objects and stole rosaries and other small religious items.
Repeated vandalism hits Valmaura Church
March 28, 2026, ItalyAfter repeated acts of serious vandalism at the Church of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows in Valmaura, a holy water font was destroyed. The church has started a fundraising campaign to be able to replace the font.
Church Windows in Salzgitter Smashed in Vandalism
March 28, 2026, GermanyA vandalism attack targeted a church in Salzgitter, damaging several sections of the church’s windows using sticks and glass bottles.
Puy Sainte Réparade Cemetery Graves Desecrated and Opened
March 28, 2026, FranceEleven graves were found defaced and some opened in the cemetery of Puy Sainte Réparade near Aix en Provence. Local authorities condemned the acts as shocking desecration.
Beaujolais Churches Targeted
March 28, 2026, FranceA chapel in Lamure-sur-Azergues and a church in Beaujeu were vandalised on March 28, with broken stained glass windows and damaged doors reported.
Statue and Church Vandalised on Palm Sunday Eve
March 28, 2026, CroatiaA statue of the Virgin Mary and other church property were vandalised outside a church in Labin. The incident occurred on the eve of Palm Sunday, a significant date in the Christian calendar.
Intrusion, Assault and Rising Disorder Around Notre-Dame Immaculée Church
March 27, 2026, BelgiumResidents raised concerns following a series of disturbances around Notre-Dame Immaculée Church in late March 2026. The most serious incident involved an intrusion during a religious service, when an individual disrupted the ceremony, threw a cross onto the altar and assaulted a parishioner.
Supreme Court Acquits MP for Bible Verse Tweet, Convicts Over Church Pamphlet
March 26, 2026, FinlandFinland’s Supreme Court has unanimously acquitted parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen of “hate speech” charges related to a 2019 social media post in which she cited a Bible verse to express her views on marriage and sexual ethics. At the same time, in a narrow 3–2 decision, the Court convicted Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola over the publication of a church pamphlet originally written in 2004.
Severe vandalism and theft at the Church of the Four Holy Evangelists in Vienna
March 25, 2026, AustriaOn the afternoon of 25 March 2026, the Church of the Four Holy Evangelists in Vienna-Oberbaumgarten was targeted in a serious act of vandalism and theft. The interior was extensively damaged and two bronze sculptures of saints were stolen.
Wave of Vandalism and Thefts in Frosinone Churches Raises Concern
March 24, 2026, ItalyOver the past two months, several churches in Frosinone have been affected by repeated thefts and acts of vandalism targeting sacred objects. One particularly disturbing incident occurred on 24 March 2026, when a woman approached the altar, turned a statue upside down, struck a cross, and removed the altar cloth, actions captured on CCTV.
Vandalism at Saint-Pierre Church in Caen
March 22, 2026, FranceAn act of vandalism at Saint-Pierre Church in Caen left a stained glass window broken.
Vandalism in Garbenteich Church: Bible Damaged with Fire
March 22, 2026, GermanyA Protestant church in Garbenteich was vandalised, with fire damage affecting the altar Bible and altar area.
Altar and Sacred Objects Targeted in Deliberate Desecration
March 21, 2026, BelgiumA church in Lommel was again targeted by vandals who left sexually explicit messages and desecrated the altar and religious objects. The incident forms part of a series of repeated attacks, including with arson, on the same church in recent months.
Catholic Priest Faces Criminal Investigation Over Statements on Church Teaching on Sexuality
March 20, 2026, IcelandMonsignor Jakob Rolland is facing a potential criminal trial after explaining Catholic teaching on homosexuality in a radio interview and stating that the Church offers spiritual guidance to persons with same-sex attraction who seek it. Following the interview, LGBTIQ advocacy groups launched a campaign calling for legal action, leading to a police examination of the Catholic priest under Iceland’s 2023 ban on “conversion practices”.
Parish in Provaglio d’Iseo Targeted by Vandalism
March 20, 2026, ItalyThe church of Saints Peter and Paul in Provaglio d’Iseo was targeted by vandalism, with its historic rose windows heavily damaged by stones.
Cross Destroyed in Vandalism at Memorial in Szczecin
March 19, 2026, PolandUnknown perpetrators vandalised a memorial lapidarium in Szczecin, damaging tombstones and a stone cross.
Vandals damage Chapel of San Giuseppe in Nozarego on its feast day.
March 19, 2026, ItalyVandals damaged the chapel of San Giuseppe in Nozarego, breaking two front windows in an act of deliberate destruction on the chapel's dedication day.
Repeated Desecration Inside Catholic Church in Białystok
March 18, 2026, PolandA Catholic church in Białystok has been repeatedly targeted with acts of vandalism and religious offence. A suspected has been identified through CCTV footage.
Aachen Court: Police Order Banning Pro-life Prayer Gatherings Near Abortion Facility Are Illegal
March 18, 2026, GermanyThe Administrative Court of Aachen has ruled in favour of a pro-life association, finding that a police order prohibiting its monthly prayer gatherings within 100 metres of a gynaecological practice in Aachen was unlawful. The ruling found that no blanked "buffer zones" could be established under the law and that gatherings remain protected under freedom of expression and assembly as long as they do not obstruct or directly harass patients.
Church in Felletin Defaced with "F* religion" and "Free Palestine"
March 17, 2026, FranceOffensive graffiti was discovered on the walls of the Church of Sainte Valérie in Felletin. Local officials have condemned the attack.
Attempted abduction of seminary student near Pochaiv Lavra
March 16, 2026, UkraineA group of about 15 people allegedly tried to forcibly detain a seminary student and drag him into a minibus by force.
Arson and vandalism in Absam Parish Church
March 15, 2026, AustriaAbsam Parish Church was the target of a serious act of vandalism, two minors entered the church and desecrated the interior.
Multiple churches in Belfort targeted with vandalism and break-ins
March 15, 2026, FranceDuring the night of 14 to 15 March, Sainte-Croix Church in Chèvremont was vandalised, with doors forced open, consecrated hosts found on the ground, and sacred objects stolen. Authorities and the parish have filed complaints.
Attempted arson in Trzebinia Parish
March 15, 2026, PolandAn attempted arson was reported at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Trzebinia. A man set fire to kneelers in the vestibule and tried to ignite the main door but failed to enter.
Bible set on fire on altar of Protestant Church in Le Sentier
March 15, 2026, SwitzerlandA Bible was deliberately set on fire on the altar of a Protestant church in Le Sentier, causing damage and leading to the brief hospitalisation of the pastor due to smoke inhalation. A suspect has been arrested, and authorities are investigating the incident as arson targeting a place of worship.
New security measures at St. Peter’s Basilica after repeated vandalism incidents
March 14, 2026, OtherNew protective barriers have been installed around the Altar of the Confession in St. Peter’s Basilica following repeated intrusions and acts of vandalism. Several incidents involved individuals damaging sacred objects or committing acts considered sacrilegious.
Cemetery desecrated and crosses stolen in Niestępów
March 13, 2026, PolandAround 200 graves were vandalized at the parish cemetery in Niestępów. Crosses, brass letters, and other metal elements were stolen from dozens of tombstones.
Cross Removed from Church Façade and Discarded in Garbage
March 13, 2026, GermanyUnknown individuals dismantled a large cross from the façade of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Pleidelsheim, and discarded it in a nearby garbage can.
Gunfire Damages Fresco at Tuscania Sanctuary
March 13, 2026, ItalyUnknown individuals fired shots at the church of the Madonna del Cerro in Tuscania, damaging a fresco of the Madonna and parts of the church’s exterior. The Carabinieri have opened an investigation.
Church in Bilbao Defaced by Antifa-Affiliated Group
March 12, 2026, SpainA group of antifascists vandalised the Church of the Holy Johns in Spain with graffiti and posted a video of the act on social media.
Veert Church Desecrated With Hosts Scattered on the Floor
March 12, 2026, GermanyA church in Veert was broken into, leaving significant damage despite low material losses. The perpetrators targeted the ciborium and desecrated the tabernacle, leaving consecrated hosts scattered across the floor.
Repeated vandalism and arson: Pastor Speaks of Being Victimised
March 12, 2026, United KingdomSalvation Chapel International, a pentecostal church in Laindon, has suffered repeated and escalating acts of vandalism, including a fire, destruction of toilets and church property, and graffiti.
Crucifix and confessionals vandalised in San Pietro a Vico Church
March 11, 2026, ItalyUnknown perpetrators vandalised San Pietro a Vico Church, destroying confessionals and breaking a crucifix.
St. Wenceslas Church in Prague Defaced with Hateful Graffiti
March 10, 2026, Czech RepublicThe Church of St. Wenceslas in Prague was vandalised by unknown individuals who sprayed a message stating that the cross and the Star of David are equal to a swastika.
Sacrilegious theft of consecrated hosts at Sant’Andrea Church in Rasa
March 10, 2026, ItalyThieves broke into Sant’Andrea Church in Rasa and forcibly opened the tabernacle of the main altar, stealing consecrated hosts, sacred elements used in Catholic worship. The act constitutes a significant desecration for the community.
Obscene graffiti painted on the wall of St. Agatha Church
March 10, 2026, GermanyThe sandstone façade of St. Agatha Church in Alverskirchen was discovered smeared with obscene graffiti by unknown individuals.
Altar vandalised inside Saint Roch Church in Paris
March 9, 2026, FranceAn altar inside Saint-Roch Church featuring a large gilded structure resembling the Ark of the Covenant was vandalised by unknown individuals. The attackers damaged decorative elements causing significant damage to the 19th-century religious piece.
Cross Taken from Neuburg Church
March 9, 2026, GermanyAn altar cross was stolen from a church in Neuburg an der Donau. The removal of a central liturgical object from the altar highlights the religious significance of the theft, which goes beyond its material value.
Catholic School in Barcelona Vandalised with Hostile Political Graffiti
March 8, 2026, SpainA Catholic school in Barcelona, affiliated with the Regnum Christi movement, was vandalised with politically charged graffiti during the weekend coinciding with International Women’s Day. The messages the messages expressed hostility towards the school’s educational model and prompted calls for increased security measures.
Viterbo Church defaced with satanic graffiti with inverted crosses.
March 7, 2026, ItalySatanic graffiti, including inverted crosses and “666,” was sprayed on the facade of a Catholic church in Viterbo. The messages explicitly referenced Satan and targeted the Christian place of worship. Police identified the perpetrator through surveillance footage, and a 34-year-old man has been arrested.
Linked arson attacks target two Catholic Churches in Westmeath
March 6, 2026, IrelandTwo Catholic churches in County Westmeath were deliberately set on fire over the weekend. Both incidents caused damage to the main entrances and are being treated by authorities as deliberate arsons attacks, which seem to be linked.
Vandalism and theft at Catholic church and Bosco School in Rosarno
March 5, 2026, ItalyUnknown perpetrators vandalised a Catholic school and the nearby parish church in Rosarno, Italy, stealing furnishings and parts of the church infrastructure. The attack targeted both a Catholic educational institution and a place of Christian worship. The incident reflects hostility toward Christian community spaces rather than a theft motivated by the value of the items taken.
UPDATE: Maltese court clears Matthew Grech of all charges
March 4, 2026, MaltaMatthew Grech, a Maltese Christian, has been cleared by a Maltese court following charges related to his participation in a TV show in April 2022. During the interview, Grech shared his personal testimony of leaving a homosexual lifestyle after finding the Christian faith. The case was brought under Malta’s ban on “conversion practices,” but the court concluded that the programme constituted a public discussion and that Grech had merely shared his personal experience about sexual morality.
Christian Church Targeted in Cyberattack Showing Degrading Images of Pastors
March 4, 2026, United KingdomA Baptist church in the UK was targeted in a cyberattack in which hackers hijacked its online identity, used it to promote gambling, and posted degrading images of pastors. The hackers used a similar domain name and imagery from the church’s website to confuse users
Medieval Holy Water Stela Deliberately Damaged at Altenberg Cathedral
March 3, 2026, GermanyA medieval holy water stela was deliberately toppled and severely damaged inside Altenberg Cathedral in North Rhine-Westphalia. Parish officials ruled out an accident due to the size and weight of the object and are planning restoration.
Paper Bomb Causes Damage to Church in Lusia
March 1, 2026, ItalyA paper bomb struck the Church of Saints Vito and Modesto (Lusia), in an act of vandalism similar to a previous incident near the Church of San Biagio in Lendinara.
Desecration of Valencia Church in Sacrilegious Theft
March 1, 2026, SpainThe parish of San Francisco de Asís in Manises, Valencia, was targeted in a burglary in which the tabernacle containing the consecrated hosts, along with liturgical items, was stolen. The deliberate targeting of the Eucharist constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context.
Cemetery Thefts: Crosses Broken Off the Graves
March 1, 2026, BelgiumApproximately 50 graves were targeted in a cemetery in Sombreffe, with crucifixes and religious items stolen. Images indicate that crosses were deliberately broken off graves, affecting objects of religious and commemorative significance.
Holy Altar Destroyed in Gardiki Church
February 27, 2026, GreeceVandals broke into the cemetery Church of All Saints in Gardiki, Fthiotida, Greece, and demolished the Holy Altar during the night of 26–27 February 2026. The destruction was reportedly carried out while the perpetrators searched for gold sovereigns believed to be hidden inside the altar.
Repeated Burglary Targets Sacred Objects in Quarrata Church
February 27, 2026, ItalyIn Quarrata, three ancient chalices and some sacred furnishings were stolen from the Church of Catena but later recovered. Similar incidents have occurred in nearby parishes, pointing to a rising pattern of local church thefts.
Arson Attacks on Three Churches in Eden in One Week
February 25, 2026, NetherlandsA series of deliberate fires damaged three churches in Ede within five days, leading to increased security and an arrest.
Repeated church thefts in Rouen target sacred Christian objects
February 24, 2026, FranceTwo men have been arrested for a series of four church burglaries in Rouen, during which sacred objects of spiritual importance were stolen. The thefts targeted items essential to Christian worship, including consecrated hosts and liturgical vessels, from the churches of Val-de-la-Haye and Hautot-sur-Seine. The crimes were deliberate, and the stolen objects have not yet been recovered.
Repeated Vandalism at Parish Oratory in Quattro Castella
February 23, 2026, ItalyA parish oratory in Quattro Castella (Reggio Emilia, Italy) was repeatedly targeted by break-ins and vandalism in the past months. In February, two suspects were identified by the Carabinieri using images captured by camera traps installed inside the parish premises.
Suspected Arson targets West London Church
February 23, 2026, United KingdomA major fire severely damaged the former King’s Hall Methodist Church in Southall, West London. Police and fire investigators are treating the blaze as suspected arson.
Vandals Damage Forecourt of Romanian Orthodox San Sepolcro Church
February 21, 2026, ItalyVandals have repeatedly caused damage to the forecourt and exterior of San Sepolcro Church on Via Campagna, where the Romanian Orthodox community has been worshipping since 2018. The incidents, reported in February 2026, have left visible damage to the church’s surroundings and structure.
Vandalism Targets Historic Santa Susana Church in Santiago
February 20, 2026, SpainGraffiti with political slogans and other markings were found on the seventeenth‑century church, prompting renewed concern about repeated attacks on Santiago’s Christian heritage.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Two Rural Churches
February 20, 2026, FranceTwo churches in Buchy and Rouvray‑Catillon were broken into during the night, with consecrated hosts taken in what the Archdiocese of Rouen denounced as a grave act of desecration.
Repeated Vandalism Inside Notre‑Dame Church in Niort
February 18, 2026, FranceAuthorities in Niort lodged formal complaints after graffiti and burnt papers were discovered inside the Notre‑Dame church during two consecutive days of damage.
Religious Statue Vandalised at Bois‑le‑Roi Cemetery
February 18, 2026, FrancePolice investigated extensive damage to Christian funerary structures at the Bois‑le‑Roi cemetery, including the destruction of a statue of Mary and chapel stained glass windows.
Church of Christ the King in Valledoria Desecrated
February 17, 2026, ItalyThe Church of Christ the King in Valledoria was targeted in an apparent act of desecration after unknown individuals forced open the tabernacle.