All cases

Silver Crucifix Stolen From St.-Lamberti Church

January 23, 2022, Germany

On 23. January, people saw a possible suspect stealing a silver crucifix from the St.-Lamberti Church in Oldenburg. The cross, 45 centimetres high and 30 centimetres wide, had stood in the baptistery, an entrance hall of the Protestant church. Besides the cross nothing else was stolen. The police are investigating.

Vandals Devastate Church and Mock Priest

January 23, 2022, Italy

Due to repeated acts of vandalism in the Church of Ritiro, the parish priest, father Romeo, decided to close the church outside worship hours. He posted on Facebook at the end of January: "Due to repeated acts of vandalism in the church, most recently this morning, the church will be closed from today. It will only open before celebrations or parish activities." The mayor of Messina, Cateno de Luca, has expressed his concern and outrage regarding these incidents and announced he would go to Mass as a sign of solidarity to the priest. The mayor described incidents such as overturned candlesticks on the altar, and trash and cigarette buds found on the floor.

Graffiti on Chapel in Piétat by Unknown Vandal

January 23, 2022, France

The word "Ska" was spray-painted in black on the Notre-Dame de chapel in Piétat, France. Ska, is a music genre that originated in 1950s Jamaica and seems to have no relevance to the chapel. Despite this, it was a deliberate act to deface the side of a religious building.

Vandalism of Church Objects in Chaumont

January 23, 2022, France

Vandalism that occurred in 2021, to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste basilica, was finally reported during the general meeting of the Innovatis Basilica association. Burnt papers were found in the entrance to the church and several urns had been damaged. Some candles had also been stolen and it has been suggested that cameras be installed to prevent such actions in the future.

Greek Ministry Report: Anti-Christian Attacks make up approx. 93% of all Anti-Religious Hate Crimes in 2020

January 22, 2022, Greece

Greece’s Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has released a report showing that between 2015 to 2020 there have been 2,339 incidents of desecration of Greek Orthodox churches. This means these churches are the main target among all religious groups in the country, as they make up approximately 93% of the cases. In 2020 alone, there were 404 attacks against religious spaces: 385 attacks were against Christians, while there were less than 10 attacks to any other religion.

Expensive Chalice Stolen from Church in Poland

January 22, 2022, Poland

A gold plated chalice worth several thousand zlotys was stolen from St. Martin's Church in Kepno, Poland on February 22nd. The chalice was later found in a dumpster and recovered. Investigators guess there were two thieves but they have not been found.

32 Nativity Figures Stolen from Saint-Pierre Church in Palavas-los-Flots

January 21, 2022, France

32 figures were stolen from the nativity scene at the Saint - Pierre church in Palavas - los - Flots on 21. January. Their total value was estimated to be around 300 euros. The visual artist, Marie-Pierre Guilhot, who had compiled the scene was especially saddened by the theft and said: “As a Catholic, you should forgive but here I find it difficult to forgive.

Municipality in Spain Takes Down Cross in Parish Church

January 21, 2022, Spain

The mayor of Villagarcía de Arosa began the demolition of the cross of the parish church, in late January 2022. The removal will be undertaken under the Historical Memory Law and will cost more than 1,000 euros, according to the PSOE government team. On social media, the political party VOX wrote: "infamy is being committed. A theft of our history and our faith. The local PSOE allows it with financial help from the Diputación".

Burglary and Theft in Szczytno Church

January 20, 2022, Poland

A 25-year-old man, was found inside the basement of a Church in Szczytno by the pastor, on the 20th of January. Upon investigation, it was found that the intruder had broken three widows of the church and had then attempted to steal three items worth a combined value of 5,000 zlotys.

German Evangelical Pastor Receives Death Threats

January 20, 2022, Germany

The police in Germany has communicated that a pastor from Herne, Melanie Jansen, who regularly organises peace prayers on Saturdays (parallel to Covid-19 protests), has received death threats. The State Protection Service is now investigating, as the persons from the two incidents until now were unknown. The Evangelical Church in Rhineland has condemned these threats and have expressed solidarity towards this colleague and "sister in Christ".

Vandals Tagged Church Walls and Door with Blasphemous Words

January 20, 2022, Italy

In Muggio, the façade of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Castagno was found covered with blasphemous taggs on the 21st of January. The walls and the entrance door of the church were vandalised by unknown perpetrators, with the words "Dio cane" (Dog God). According to the news outlet "Today", the places of worship in the city had been attacked with arson in recent weeks and in the summer. The community was very affected by this incident and volunteers have cleaned the walls.

Arsonist Burns Church Altar in Germany

January 20, 2022, Germany

On 20 January, the Paul Gerhardt Church in Berlin fell victim to an arson attack, destroying the altar, an image of Christ and the organ. Thirty firefighters were needed to extinguish the fire. The Evangelical congregation was shocked by the incident, with Pastor Aljona Hofmann saying: 'It strikes at the heart of the church.' According to a witness, a man left the church in a hurry shortly before the fire started; the church would normally have been closed at this time. The police are investigating.

France: Minister of Interior Releases 4 Million Euro Budget to protect Places of Worship

January 20, 2022, France

The minister of interior in France, Gérald Darmanin, has announced a four million euro budget to secure places of worship after a series of acts of vandalism to churches. In relation to this, the philosopher and historian, Remi Brague, said in an interview that attacking the Catholic Church has become very easy. He also sees it as a way of weakening the whole country and points out that the solution to improve the security of Churches is not only financial. The minister plans to finance video surveillance in particular. 

Catholic Church Vandalised with Dog Manure for several Months

January 20, 2022, Germany

The police have found a suspect, who might be responsible for the vandalism attacks that endured the Catholic church St. Aegidius for several months since October 2021. The man had smeared dog excrement on the walls of the church or left dog excrement at the entrance of the church almost every week. The pastor Anrul Lourdu commented: "We are speechless and meanwhile also powerless. It is simply undignified, unattractive and inhumane what is happening."

Suspected Arson to Church in Valladolid

January 19, 2022, Spain

The church of Our Lady of Fatima in Valladolid has been severely damaged by a fire that was started from outside the church. The investigation indicates that the fire could have been caused by arson. The head of the parish of San José Obrero, Enrique Barrientos, said: "In principle, it seems to have been provoked because the fire went from the outside in. There had been some acts of vandalism in the area." The incident took place on the 19. January in the early morning, and the first one to raise the alarm was the headmaster of a school that is attached to the chapel. The fire damaged a church door, an image of the Virgin and the electronic organ, which was completely burnt.

Police Arrest Man Guilty for Theft of Sacred Obejcts

January 18, 2022, Italy

The police of Salerno has captured a man who was guilty of stealing sacred objects from the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on the 18th of January. The thieve had stolen a silver chalice and monstrance. The police were alerted by Don Biagio, the parish priest who was in the sacristy when the theft took place. The 24-year-old perpetrator was identified with the security cameras and the objects were returned to the church.

Outer Walls of Church in Napoli Marred by Fire

January 18, 2022, Italy

On January 18th, the outer walls of the Sant'Eligio Church in Piazza Mercato, Naples, were blackened by a fire lit by youths from the city. The police quickly arrived at the scene but not before the walls had been damaged.

Church Front Set Alight in Muggiò

January 18, 2022, Italy

The doormat of the Santa Giuliana church in Muggiò was set alight by unknow vandals on 18. January. The main doors of the historic 13th century church were blackened by the flames. This act of arson was obviously done in contempt of the church.

Church Bell Tower in Villingen-Schwenningen Defaced

January 18, 2022, Germany

The bell tower of a church in Villingen-Schwenningen was defaced by unknown vandals. They sprayed the tower with writing and caused property damage of around 100 Euros on January 18th. The police were looking for more information and wanted witnesses.

Arson to Nativity Scene in Church in Dortmund

January 17, 2022, Germany

The police assume that the straw on the cot of the Provost Church of St. John the Baptist was set on fire by someone. Arson is suspected. This was reported by "Der Westen". According to the parish website, a visitor to the Catholic church noticed the fire at the cot on Monday and reported it. With the help of a fire extinguisher, the caretaker and sexton were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the Christmas trees and the wooden altar.The nativity scene has now been dismantled. The church remains open, but additional safety measures are being considered.

Entire Music Equipment Stolen from Dresden Church

January 17, 2022, Germany

An unknown thief stole the music equipment form the Friedenskirche Church in Dresden-Löbtau. The theft happened on the 17 of January and police say the stolen goods had a value of around 2,000 euros. The equipment is vital for celebrating services.

Man Tears Host into Pieces During Mass

January 16, 2022, France

On the 16. January, in the parish of Saint-Esprit in Paris during Mass, a man went to receive Communion, but instead, he took the Host and tore it into pieces and threw it to the ground. The Father Simón Fornier de Violeta, one of the parish vicars, was distributing Communion when this man arrived and stretched out his hand. As the priest tried to ask him about this profanation, he replied "For Nadia", and went away. The priest said: "The act was thought out, premeditated." He commented that the man had some injuries in his hands, like "people who consume drugs or drink too much."

Man Arrested for Dismembering Figures of Jesus

January 16, 2022, Germany

A 30 year old man was arrest for multiple accounts of property damage around the Märkischer Kreis region on January 16th. The cases included the dismembering of Jesus figurines, stolen statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, and damage to wayside crosses. The police suspected it was not a religiously motivated attack but this does not excuse the fact that the objects that were destroyed in a sacrilegious manner, were sacred to Christians.

Burglary of Church in St. Ingbert

January 16, 2022, Germany

On January 16th, three men and two women, entered the church of St. Hildegard in St. Ingbert and stole several items after ransacking the inside. Groceries were stolen and some offering sticks, which they tried to break, were shaken to get the coins out. When the police arrived on the scene, the criminals fled but the two women were arrested. A follow up investigation confirmed that the suspects were a gang who had raided several other churches and items, including a gold chalice worth thousands, were found in one of their apartments.

Police Are Investigating Arson to Dundee Church

January 15, 2022, United Kingdom

In Dundee, Scotland, the St Luke’s Parish Church was the victim of an arson attack on the 15. January. The crew that extinguished the fire found that someone had set alight rubbish around 4 pm, according to the police. Also, neighbours said there have been issues with teenagers accessing the grounds of the former church.

Graffiti in Wertingen Church

January 13, 2022, Germany

A severe case of vandalism was recorded at the St. Martin's Church in Wertingen on January 13th. Graffiti and the number 187, meaning murder, were painted all over the wooden paneling and seats. There was even a failed attempt to break open the sacristy door; and the offertory was also damaged, in the adjacent Lourdes Grotto. There was an estimated property damage of around 1,000 Euros.

Break-In and Property Damage to Church in Niederlinxweiler

January 13, 2022, Germany

Unknown intruders destructively gained access to the evangelical church in Niederlinxweiler on January 13th. In their attempt to find and steal valuables from the sacristy, they ransacked rooms and caused a large amount of property damage. The police were looking for witnesses to provide more information.

Polish Court Rejects Appeal for LGBTQ Acquittal

January 12, 2022, Poland

The Plock court in Poland has finally rejected the prosecutions appeal after three pro-LGBTQ women were acquitted in March of 2021. They had been distributing posters of the Virgin May with a rainbow halo on her head and were prosecuted for "offending religious beliefs." The sentence would have been up to two years but the offence was not deemed severe enough.

Drunk Man Threatens Priest And Tries to Enter Church

January 11, 2022, Italy

Around 4 a.m. today, Tuesday 11 January, a 29-year-old young man with multiple past convictions began threatening the parish priest of the Collegiate Church in Moncalieri because he could not get into the church. The parish priest, worried about the possibility of vandalism, called the Carabinieri. When they arrived a few minutes later, the soldiers tried to calm him down, but the man attacked them and continued his fury even at the barracks, where he was taken to formalise his arrest.

Tabernacle Broken in Romainville

January 11, 2022, France

Vandals wrecked the church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois in Romainville on January 11th. The Diocese wrote in a press release, "a trunk was torn off, the tabernacle was fractured, the sound equipment, stolen and the cupboards of the sacristy, stripped of several sacred vases". This act of desecration expressed a total lack of respect for these religious symbols.

Italian Parish Priest Demands Help After Continuous Attacks and Vandalism

January 11, 2022, Italy

The parish priest of the church of San Benedetto in Livorno, Don Tomasz Zurek, has said he can't stand anymore the intimidation and vandalism that happens outside his church every night. In the last incident, someone started a fire to a paper that was on the Church door. As he protested the violent acts he has to endure, he was pushed by the vandals. The priest says: "We ask for a permanent presence of the police and, if necessary, also of the army." He has organized a letter, together with people from a shopping centre nearby, also intimidated by the vandals that gather outside the Church at night. This was reported on the 11th of January.

Hundreds of Hosts Stolen from Saint-Pierre Church

January 10, 2022, France

Thieves broke through the stained-glass windows of the Saint-Pierre Church in Bondy to desecrate the tabernacle and steal hundreds of hosts. This act of desecration showed intense disrespect for some of the most sacred objects in the Catholic church. Father Jocelyn Petitfils explains that the tabernacle is "the most venerable place in the church, where the consecrated hosts are stored”.

Attempted Arson at Bakum Church

January 10, 2022, Germany

Between the 8th and the 10th of January, unknown perpetrators made an arson attack at the St.-Johannes-Baptist-Church in Bakum. According to the police, the fire was started on a paper and it damaged one table. The fire smoke also damaged the walls. The damage amounts to approx. 200 Euro. The police is now investigating and requesting clues from eye-witnesses.

Heavy Flagstones Stolen from Glossop Church

January 10, 2022, United Kingdom

Thieves targeted a church in Glossop and stole a number of ancient flagstones from the floor. The theft from the grounds of Glossop Parish Church of All Saints has left the local community saddened. The stolen flagstones were taken from the path outside the west end of the church overnight between Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 January. Tyre tracks were left nearby so it is believed a vehicle was used in the theft of the very heavy stone.

Nativity Scene Statue Stolen from Church in Forbach-Bermersbach

January 10, 2022, Germany

A nativity scene figure was stolen from a church in Forbach-Bermersbach (Rastatt district) on 10. January. According to the police, the figure, a "servant with a donation box", was stolen from the unlocked church. The damage is said to be of a non-material and artistic nature; the financial damage cannot yet be quantified.

Crucifix Stolen from Church During Funeral

January 10, 2022, France

A repeat thief stole a wooden crucifix off the condolence table at the Saint-Nicolas de Port Basilica near Dombasle, France. The absence of the liturgical piece was noticed shortly after the funeral had ended and upon viewing the footage from the nearby surveillance cameras, the police identified the thief to be Phillipe Languedoc. He has been in prison for the past 38 years for other offences and now will spend 12 more months behind bars for this crime. The lack of respect for religious sentiments was evident in the incident.

Church Windows Smashed by Unknown Perpetrators

January 9, 2022, Belgium

On Sunday 9. January, the church in Bouvignes was targeted by unknown vandals. The Stained glass windows were broken, probably through kicking. Father Jean-Baptiste Raty, parish priest of the church, called the action a : "gratuitous vandalism".

Church Walls Tagged by Vandals

January 9, 2022, Poland

Unknown criminals spray painted the Garrison Church of St. Casimir the Prince in Katowice. They may face a sentence of up to eight years and will have to restore the stone work to its original state. Multiple walls and some statues of the historic church were defaced.

Theft of Relic from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

January 9, 2022, France

The relic f John Paul II was stolen from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Paray-leMonial in Burgundy. The relic is a piece of cloth stained with the Pope's blood during an attempted murder in 1981. The theft could have occurred between the 8 and 9 of January, according to the mayor Jean-Marc Nesme. The incident was reported by a churchman who was closing the church, the police are investigating.

Obscene Phrases Written on Fabriano Church

January 9, 2022, Italy

The front facade of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Via Conce, was defaced with epithets written in spray paint on 1. January. Police examined footage of the surrounding area in search of the vandals but no one has been arrested.

Windows of Bouvignes Church Broken

January 9, 2022, Belgium

On 9. January, the stained glass windows of the Bouvignes church were smashed in. Father Jean-Baptiste Raty labelled the act: "gratuitous vandalism".

Vandal Smashes Church Windows During Mass

January 9, 2022, Slovakia

During Mass, an 18-year-old used a hammer to smash the windows of the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Senica. The man then fled the scene with a city police patrol in pursuit. He used the hammer to fend off one officer but was caught in the end. This incident happened on January 9th.

Karlskirche in Vienna Tagged Again by Unknown Vandals

January 8, 2022, Austria

On the night of the 7. to 8. January, the historical Karlskirche in Vienna was tagged with red paint by unknown vandals. Among the symbols, there were blasphemous drawings, anarchist and communist symbols. Johannes Pasquali, a Viennese politician, demanded that security cameras be installed to protect the church. These attacks and vandalism have been repetitive for some months.

Statue of the Virgin of Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church destroyed

January 8, 2022, France

In the Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church in Strasbourg, the statue of the Virgin was vandalised on the 8th of January. The statue of the Virgin was found destroyed on the ground with its face damaged. A complaint was filed with the police. The parish priest of the church received the news and commented: "It was a parishioner who alerted me. He found the statue of the Virgin demolished, next to its base. He immediately called. I think it was intentional: the way it was positioned, I don't see how the statue could have fallen down by itself. Father Uberall has already announced his intention to file a complaint."

Theft of Money and Consecrated Hosts in Vitry-sur-Seine

January 7, 2022, France

In the night of January 6th, unknown persons broke into the Saint-Germain church of Vitry-sur-Seine. There, they broke open the three tabernacles and took the ciborium with the consecrated hosts as well as stealing some money donated by the parishioners. The desecration of the hosts showed their malignant intent.

Couple Vandalised Nativity Scene and Cut Off Mary's Hands

January 7, 2022, Poland

A couple of 20-year-olds vandalised a Christmas nativity scene in Jasień on the 7. January. The perpetrators damaged the figures in the nativity scene, including cutting off the hands of Mary. They also stole the crosier. They have been charged with "destruction of property", theft and offending religious feelings. They could face up to 5 years in jail, according to polish authorities.

Figure of Baby Jesus Destroyed in Diest

January 7, 2022, Belgium

On the 7. January, the nativity scene on display at the historic Church of St. Suplice in Diest was the victim of vandalism. Unknown perpetrators destroyed the figure of baby Jesus by tearing off his head, one arm and one leg.

Several Thefts at Nativity Scenes in Sint Truiden

January 7, 2022, Belgium

On January 7th, the baby Jesus was stolen from the nativity scene at the Saint Martin church in Sint Truiden. This was not the first of such thefts as earlier, said sexton Etienne Thomas. He recalls: "one of the brass angels on the main altar was unscrewed and stolen," and before that, some copper candlesticks were taken. These incidents were just part of the repeated vandalism the Saint Martin church has been facing.

Evangelical Dean Receives Several Threats For his Views

January 7, 2022, Germany

The Dean of the Evangelical Church has received several anonymous threatening letters due to the vaccination campaign in Ulm Minster. These letters criticise vaccinations and the role played by the Dean in it.No one close or familiar to the Dean is considered a suspect, as the details of the letter demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding the church's internal procedures and even the address the letter was sent to was incorrect.

Statue of the Virgin Mary destroyed in Poland

January 7, 2022, Poland

A statue of the Virgin Mary was torn apart and a local chapel destroyed in Sikorzyna, Poland, as reported on the 7th of January. The four perpetrators have been arrested and will be judged accordingly. The Fidei Defensor Monitoring Center for Christianophobia stated that it "will intervene to bring the perpetrators to justice".

Painting of Jesus Broken in Attempted Theft from Sint-Truiden Church

January 7, 2022, Belgium

Thieves attempted to steal the triptych with pictures of Jesus, that was hanging at the front at Saint Martin's church in Sint-Truiden. The incident was recorded on January 7th but happened several weeks earlier. The triptych is 40 to 50 kilos so once it was detached, the weight became too much for the thieves and the picture fell, broken beyond repair. Although it was not stolen, the image was destroyed.

Activists Block Holy Mass at Cathedral in Cologne

January 6, 2022, Germany

On the 6. January at the evening, a group of twelve climate activists blocked a mass in the Cathedral of Cologne. The demonstrators wanted to catch Pope Francis' attention, according to Catholic News Agency request. The cathedral wardens attempted to carry out the activists, who sat in the middle of the church between the aisles. Two of them got injured for trying to carry these persons, but no actual violence was used from any side, they were treated by rescue workers.

Nativity Figures Stolen by Youth

January 6, 2022, Germany

Sixteen and twelve-year-old boys were caught after they took the baby Jesus from a nativity scene in Saarburg and altered some of the other figures during the first week of January. The stolen figure was thrown into the Saar and the youth have been charged with other acts of vandalism.

Six Church Statues Decapitated in Poitiers

January 6, 2022, France

On January 6th, six statues were found decapitated in the church of Sainte-Thérèse in Poitiers. The police have confirmed that the vandalism

Repetitive Burglary in Church

January 6, 2022, Germany

Church on Hiddensee Island was sacked for the second time within only a few weeks. Money was stolen from the donation containers, with a total plundering and property damage estimated at around 600€. Nearly a month before, unknown thieves had broken into the antechamber of the church, stealing the money saved in a wooden donation chest.

Vandals Desecrate Tombstones at Cemetery

January 6, 2022, Italy

On January 6th, unknown vandals raided cooper vases and bouquets of flowers were found torn apart on the floor. A second theft was recorded in fifteen days in the Cemetery of Ponticelli. These acts of vandalism were recorded both in the chapel of Sant'Anna and in the municipal hypogeum located in the most recent zone of construction of the Ponticelli Cemetery.

Burglary in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta

January 6, 2022, Italy

A theft occurred on the 6. January during the Catholic celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord. Unknown vandals took advantage of the absence of people and broke into the Church of Santa Maria Assunta by breaking the glass of the sacristy. A music box was stolen, commonly used by the city choirs to animate celebrations in the Church. The police were immediately alerted and began the investigations to find the authors of this theft. Both the members of the choir and the parish priest Don Francesco Scarin expressed deep regret for this theft.

UPDATE: Catholic Nurse Wins Discrimination and Harassment Case

January 5, 2022, United Kingdom

Mary Onuoha was constructively dismissed in 2020 from the Croydon NHS Trust Hospital in London for wearing a golden cross necklace. She now has won the case against her unfair dismissal for discrimination and harassment, with the help of the Christian Legal Center, as it was communicated on 5. January. The Hospital had said her necklace was "too visible" and posed a ‘risk of injury or infection’, but the ruling found out that other medical staff wore jewellery, religious attire and badges, and that this was "widely tolerated". The ruling declared the dismissal of Mrs Onuoha discriminatory and arbitrary, and recognized her right to religious freedom, such as wearing a cross necklace.

Saarburg Church Heavily Desecrated and Vandalised

January 5, 2022, Germany

Unknown vandals broke through the door of the Protestant church on the Schlossberg in Saarburg, Germany, on January 5th. The perpetrators urinated in the church and left vomit and cigarette ashes. This disrespectful act was the second crime in the church after candlesticks had been stolen the previous year.

Theft and Damage of Liturgical Objects in France

January 5, 2022, France

Sacred objects in the Saint-Symphorien church in Genouilly, were damaged and taken by unknown thieves. They stole the liturgical piece that displays the host, and after breaking through the tabernacle door, took two ciboriums that hold the host. Michel Legendre, the mayor of the commune, plans to file a complaint about this disrespectful act.

Arson: Molotov Cocktail Thrown at Church

January 5, 2022, Netherlands

On New Year's Eve, a Molotov cocktail was hurled at Arnhem's Saint Nicholas Church starting a fire. Jan van Schuylenburg, who is a church volunteer, was soon at the scene and put the fire out. There is footage of the cocktail being thrown, which will help with the prosecution, and Jan "think(s) it was an attack".

Repeated Vandalism and Damage at Church in Sint-Truiden

January 5, 2022, Belgium

The Saint Martin's Church in Sint-Truiden has been continuously targeted by vandalism and theft. Bundles of wipes were torn from the cross and set on fire and a few days earlier, the mass book was thrown and knocked around until it was broken. A few months back, the ribbons of the antique mass book were set on fire but luckily the book was not burnt. Sexton Etienne said: “A church is a public building and it should stay that way... People should be able to come here in complete safety to pray and relax.”

Three Statues Defaced and Basilica Vandalised by a Man in Saint-Denis

January 5, 2022, France

A man came to the basilica of Saint-Denis and used an iron bar to damage three statues on the 5th of January. The rector of the cathedral-basilica said he had filed a complaint on the same day and the vandal was quickly arrested. The 30-year-old man caused several material damages. At first, the man came to the Basilica and was refused access to a space behind the altar, prohibited to the public. He returned a little later, armed with an iron bar, with which he attacked the display cases in which religious objects (crucifixes, statuettes and other trinkets) were exhibited. Then, the man threw three plaster statues to the ground.

Arson to Chapel of the Madonna by Unknown Perpetrators

January 4, 2022, Italy

Unknown vandals broke into the chapel of the Madonna in Cima Sappada by breaking the lock, which was reported on the 4th of January. The perpetrators took the tablecloth off the altar and lit a fire inside the chapel by using wooden stacks and the tablecloth. Some passing hikers noticed that the door had been opened and reported the damage to managers of a nearby refuge. Fortunately, the damage was not extensive.

Vandals Tagged Two Churches in Arona

January 4, 2022, Italy

On the days prior to the 4th of January, there was a surge of vandalism in Arona. Unknown vandals damaged the main door of the San Rocco Church and the Sacro Cuore Church with graffiti. They painted crosses on the doors. Apart from that, vandals also defaced a sign of a high school.

Church installs Window Protection due to Recurrent Vandalism

January 4, 2022, Germany

Due to ongoing vandalism, there are now protective grids at the Luther Church in Fellbach. The damage is thought to have been caused by young people throwing stones.

Unknown Perpetrators Vandalise Church and Steal 2000 Euros

January 3, 2022, Italy

On the 3. January, the parish priest, Don Gianluigi Ganabano, found out that thieves had broken into the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata the night before. Around two thousand euros were stolen from the church. The parish priest found the premises ransacked and called the police. The thieves forced open a side door and took possession of some boxes containing offerings.

Unknown Man Punches Priest During Mass

January 3, 2022, Slovakia

A video was posted on the 3rd of January, which shows how a man approached a Greek Catholic priest during Mass and punched him in the arm. The man was wearing a jacket with clearly read "F**k your God" and was rapidly taken away by other men, who reacted to the attack. The incident took place in the church of Pavel Petr Gojdic and Blessed Vasyl Hopko in Bardejov. After the attack, the 26-year-old priest asked the congregation to pray for his aggressor and declared forgiveness for him. The man was detained by the police and could face up to 3 years of prison.

43,000 Signatures Against the Removal of a Catholic Statue in Les Sables d'Olonne

January 3, 2022, France

Since the decision by the Administrative Court of Nantes to remove the statue of Saint Michel in the town of Les Sables d'Olonne, two online petitions collected over 43,000 signatures against it removal. The statue is on the front of the Saint Michel church and the court wanted it removed withing six months as the said in violated a 1905 law on secularism. The statue has been there for years and the town was determined to not let it go.

Presbyterian Church in Creutzwald Vandalised

January 3, 2022, France

The Presbyterian church in Creutzwald was severely vandalised by unknown criminals. The lights, various pots, mailbox, and shutter were all damaged by fire crackers and the questioning angel, placed at the top of the crib, was removed of its head and the donations gone. For fear of more acts like this, the church has reduced its visiting hours.

Statue of Saints Destroyed in Marl Church

January 3, 2022, Germany

On January 3rd, an intruder entered the Barbara Church in Marl-Hamm and destroyed statues of saints. "When exactly they came in, we unfortunately do not know," said Sister Aloysiana. The doors to the church were not locked and the police were investigating the crime.

Nativity Scene Vandalised in French Village

January 2, 2022, France

On the 2nd of January, it was reported that the Christmas Nativity installation which adorned the religious building was vandalised. "I find it unacceptable. Especially as it required a certain amount of effort to reach it, given the height at which it was situated," said Jean-Pierre Quet, the mayor of Artigues-de-Lussac. The work was created some years ago by municipal workers and volunteers: "It was 5 to 6 metres long, with figures and a scrap metal frame. Everything was plugged in. Whoever did this tore it down, they can't do anything with it. It's a purely gratuitous act of vandalism", he said. A complaint was filed to the police.

Teenagers destroy Church of Marguerita Sign

January 2, 2022, Italy

After some vandals destroyed the panel of the Church of Santa Margherita which was outside the structure, the Associazione 21, which manages the building, posted a message on their website. They posted it on the 3rd of January, saying that some 11-12-year-old boys kicked and smashed the panel in front of the Church.

Bomb Detonates at Greek Church on New Year's Eve

January 1, 2022, Greece

An explosion caused by unknown perpetrators occurred outside the Church of St. Paul in Athens at about 12:30 AM on New Year's, as reported by Protothema.gr. The explosion was caused by ten gas canisters placed outside the church, which caused minor material damage, such as blackened spots on the church's facade. A similar event took place in 2018, where two people were wounded. The police are investigating the attack.

Unknown Vandals destroy Statue of Christ

January 1, 2022, France

On the 1st of January, the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Saint-Porchaire Church, was thrown to the ground and destroyed, according to a witness. An investigation has been opened by the police and two men might have been the perpetrators. There are no suspects for the time being and a complaint has been filed.

Statue of Baby Jesus Vandalised in the Netherlands

January 1, 2022, Netherlands

The statue of baby Jesus in the village of Heesh has been victimized by vandalism between Christmas and New Year. According to the report, these attacks on the nativity scene are very common. This time, the head of the statue of Jesus was broken into four pieces, and the cot had a big hole in it. Peter van Moorselaar of De Drie Leliën, who is in charge of taking care of the nativity scene has also shared the crime. He mentioned how the head of the baby Jesus looked as "if vandals had played soccer with it." Even though there were concerns over the price of the damages, Joke Franken and his daughter have restored the statue of baby Jesus.

Lecce: Theft of the Baby Jesus Figure

December 31, 2021, Italy

In Lecce, the baby boy from the large nativity scene set up in Piazza del Duomo was stolen, as reported on the 31st of December. Unknown perpetrators stole the statue of baby Jesus during the night. It was placed in the center of the Nativity scene in front of the cathedral church. This apparently happens every year, which affects the people of Lecce and the curia. The police are working to see if there is any footage from security cameras to identify the thieves.

Fire at St. Nicholaus Church on New Year's Eve treated as Arson

December 31, 2021, Switzerland

A big fire broke out in the St. Nicholaus Church in Hofstetten on the evening of the 31. December and it is being investigated for arson. The police were alerted and they, together with firefighters, rushed to the Catholic church to extinguish the fire, which took several brigades. It has left massive damage to the church, including the organ and the interior of the church. The damage is likely to amount to several 100,000 francs. There have been no injuries, but the police is running an investigation and asking for witnesses. According to the interim parish president, Georg Sigfrist, unknown vandals had destroyed the nativity scene inside the church shortly before the fire broke out.

Jewels and Offerings Stolen From Mary Image

December 31, 2021, Italy

In Taranto, the jewels and offerings that the parish people left to the icon of "Our Lady of Health" in her shrine have been stolen, as reported on the 31st of December. Monsignor Emanuele Ferro, spokesman for archbishop Filippo Santoro reported this to the media.

Christ Child Theft in Modling Nativity

December 31, 2021, Austria

The Christ Child figurine was stolen from a nativity scene in the Herz-Jesu parish in Modling. It was over fifty years old and had little monetary value so the Vicariate Councillor & Pastoral Assistant Alexandra Kommer expects it was done as a prank adding: "Who does something like that?" The police started an investigation to find the thieves.

Vandalism at St. Blasius Parish

December 31, 2021, Germany

On New Year's Eve, an unknown hooligan ripped a lamp in the square of the St. Blasius church in Balve out of its concrete base. The church council was offering a 500 euro reward to anyone who could provide information about the perpetrator.

Theft of Figures from Nativity Scene in Enzesfel

December 31, 2021, Austria

A bold theft of three kings and some sheep was carried out on on New Years Eve from the "Grödner nativity scene" in the Enzesfeld parish church by a unidentified man. Once video surveillance was viewed, the police saw the theft occur but the absence of the figures was only noticed by pastor Pastor Krzysztof Szczesny on January 7th. The 140 year old scene which is put up every year has had to be dismantled for fear of further thefts.

Court Sentences Couple, after Church Vandalism in Somme

December 31, 2021, France

A couple who severely vandalized a church in Somme on New Years Eve 2021, were sentenced to pay 1,870 euros to the municipality to compensate for the damage. Although intoxicated, the court still found them responsible for the damage caused. They broke down the door of the church and once inside, lit candles, overturned items, and stole several objects including a monstrance.

Prohibition of Singing during Covid-19 Pandemic Ruled Unlawful

December 30, 2021, Spain

The Contentious-Administrative Chamber of the High Court of Justice of Aragon (TSJA) raised a question of unconstitutionality against the Law and Decree-Law in Aragon for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prohibits singing in places of worship. The magistrates affirmed that singing in places of worship is part of the essential content of the right to Religious Freedom, and therefore unconstitutional.

UPDATE: Woman Assaults and Threatens Priests with Murder

December 30, 2021, Spain

The Newspaper "Ultima Hora" reported that a woman, who had been in jail for several assaults and vandalism against Catholic priests and Churches, was released recently. After leaving jail, she went towards several Churches and physically assaulted the priests. She was at Sant Miquel Church, where she attacked the priest Mossèn Antoni Gómez and then headed towards the Sant Felip Nei Church while shouting "I'm going to crucify you. You're going to God." The police was alerted by Mr. Gomez and took her back into custody.

Italy: Nativity Scene Figures Stolen

December 30, 2021, Italy

A 59-year-old man has been found guilty of stealing the figures of the Nativity Scene in Paterno, which belonged to the Church of Santa Marguerita. The theft happened between the 29th and 31st of December. After the parish priest filed a complaint, the Carabinieri searched for the perpetrator and found him due to security cameras.

Ongoing Vandalism of Luther Church in Fellbach

December 30, 2021, Germany

Due to the continuous vandalism of the Luther Church in Fellbach, protective grids have had to be installed to protect the windows. The damage was suspected to be caused by young people throwing stones. Those involved with the church were appalled that this was happening.

Vandalism to Church Window in Germany

December 28, 2021, Germany

Unknown perpetrators damaged a window of the church on the Schulstrasse in Golden-Veert between Monday 27. and Tuesday 28. of December. A parish employee discovered the damage on Tuesday morning finding part of the window pane on the side of the altar broken. The offence was reported to the police, which asked possible witnesses to provide information on the damages done to the church.

Church Located in Mönchengladbach Vandalised with Satanistic Graffiti

December 28, 2021, Germany

Graffiti has been sprayed on the sandstone around the Church of the Sacred Heart in the Bettrath-Hoven district. The words "Satan" and "Hail Satan" were written in green paint on the large wooden doors of the church's main portal and on the façade. A pentagram was also sprayed on the church building.

Nativity Arsonist Caught in Indre-et-Loire

December 28, 2021, France

The fire that started in the nave of the Château-la-Vallière church in Indre-et-Loire on 28. December was first thought to be an accident but later identified as arson. The firemen eventually put out the fire but not before it had burnt most of the nativity scene. A forty-year-old man, who has been convicted of arson in the past, was arrested.

Pro-Abortion Demonstrators Chant Anti-Christian Slogans

December 28, 2021, Spain

A feminist group, purposefully organized a confrontation with pro-life demonstrators, and then chanted slogans such as "Let's burn the Episcopal Conference!" On December 28th, anti-abortion groups typically organize protests, as it is the feast of the Holy Innocents. This feminist group encouraged supporters to go to the clinic of Dator in Madrid on this same day which is why the incident occurred and police had to intervene to keep the peace.

Vandalism and Theft at German Church

December 27, 2021, Germany

On the 27th of December, an unknown burglars entered the Catholic church in Bleidenstadt, and stole several candles, and a donation box with the money still in it. They also destroyed a hymn book and candle jars. The police were notified.

Theft of Consecrated Hosts in San Michele's Church in Menna

December 27, 2021, Italy

Around the 27. December, the consecrated Hosts of the San Michele Church in Menna were stolen by unknown perpetrators. The mayor of Vasto Francesco Menna denounced the incident: "It is deplorable what happened in the church of San Michele in Vasto, where a pyx with consecrated hosts was stolen." The mayor asked the citizens to collaborate with the investigators to identify the person responsible.

St. Simon and Judas Door Handle smeared with Margarine

December 27, 2021, Germany

In Gross Reken, unknown people smeared margarine on the door handle of the church of St. Simon and Judas, leaving the pot of margarine right in front of the church door. The verger noticed the vandalism and the Pastor Thomas Hatwig told the Borkener Zeitung.

Baby Jesus Figure from Nativity Scene Beheaded

December 27, 2021, Italy

On the night of 27. to 28. December, the figure of baby Jesus, who is part of the nativity scene located in front of the church of San Filippo Neri in Ciliverghe di Mazzano, was found beheaded. This was reported on Tuesday morning on social networks, which upset the citizens of that town. There is one security camera at the church, but it was not facing towards the place, where the nativity scene was, so it will be hard for the police to identify the perpetrators. The parish priest, Don Roberto Rovaris, commented: "There is no respect, outside of faith, for the ideas of others."

Unknown Perpetrators Vandalise San Paterniano Church

December 27, 2021, Italy

On December 27th, the San Paterniano church in Perusa was vandalised by unknown persons. The security cameras show images of an overturned table, and all the objects on it, such as brochures, holy pictures and the offering box, were lying on the floor. Also, the microphone was broken and candlesticks were scattered around. The parish priest, Anton Sascau, is seen in the video with a grieving voice and commenting on this act of vandalism, but he also said he would welcome the responsible person.

Graffiti Threatens Herzkamp Pastor

December 27, 2021, Germany

Threatening pictures and slogans were painted against the pastor of Herzkamp. The police have investigated but nobody is suspect yet.

Arson at Church Nativity in Trévières

December 26, 2021, France

On December 26th, a fire broke out in the Saint Martin church Nativity scene in Trévières. It started near the crib and spread to the surrounding carpet but didn't grow too large despite the vast output of smoke. The investigators said "there is no doubt" as to the origin of the fire and believe it was intentionally started.

Nativity Scene in Huppy Vandalized on Christmas

December 26, 2021, France

In Huppy, the life-size wood nativity scene in front of the village Church was vandalized by unknown perpetrators. The figures were a tradition for the last 20 years, according to the parish people. The incident was discovered just after Christmas, on the 26. of December. The figures were scattered on the ground and some parts were broken.

Several Figures Stolen from Nativity in Cuenca

December 25, 2021, Spain

The figures of the Child Jesus and St. Joseph were taken from a Nativity scene in Cuenca, Spain on December 25th. Several of the other surrounding figures were scattered and but it is unknown who did it. The rector of the Seminary of Cuenca, José Antonio Fernández, accurately wrote on Twitter: "This is a hate crime."