All cases

Arson attack on the Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church in Paris

July 24, 2025, France

The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Champs in Paris was closed to the public after two fires occurred within 48 hours on July 23 and 24, 2025. One of the fires was confirmed to be of criminal origin. Authorities launched an investigation while restoration has begun on the damaged interior.

Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Campagnola in Suspected Sacrilegious Theft

July 21, 2025, Italy

On 21 July, unknown perpetrators forced open the tabernacle of a church in Campagnola Emilia and stole consecrated hosts. The deliberate targeting of the Eucharist constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context. The incident indicates elements beyond financial motivation, as the primary target appears to have been the consecrated hosts rather than valuables.

Arson at Germany's Largest Wooden Church

July 20, 2025, Germany

A fire damaged the facade and roof truss of the Evangelical Marktkirche in Clausthal-Zellerfeld on the night of July 20, 2025, in what officials later determined to be arson.

Arson Attack on Church in Transcarpatia with Anti-Hungarian Threats

July 16, 2025, Ukraine

On July 16, 2025, unknown perpetrators set fire to a church in Palad-Komarivtsi, Transcarpatia, and left a threatening message targeting Hungary.

Syrian Christian Asylum Seekers under Threat

July 15, 2025, Netherlands

In a recent statement, the Interchurch Foundation warned that discrimination against Syrian Christians in Dutch asylum seeker centres had increased sharply over the past six months. For example, a Christian Syrian mother was threatened with death and told that her family would be targeted. Understandably, such threats have caused serious fear among Christian asylum seekers, some of whom are now hiding their religion to avoid being targeted.

Arson and Break-in: Repeated targeting of churches in Sierck-les-Bains

July 13, 2025, France

On the night of 13 July, the room adjoining the church in Sierck-les-Bains was vandalised. The white plastic door was completely destroyed. A week earlier, two teenagers had been arrested for setting fire to a chapel in the same municipality.

Vandalism at Evangelical church in Pyskowice

July 13, 2025, Poland

On 13 July , vandals desecrated the grounds of the Evangelical-Augsburg parish, tearing off a rain gutter, damaging a masonry wall, and spraying vulgar graffiti on the bell tower door. The local pastor warned against an erosion of respect for places of worship and the Evangelical community in Pyskowice.

Church desecrated by excrement

July 13, 2025, France

The Arudy church was desecrated overnight on 13 July, with a large amount of faeces left inside and outside the building. The parish priest intends to file a complaint. He also found urine on the sacristy door and the tablecloth that usually covers the altar thrown over the stools.

Historic Romford Church Damaged by Apple-Throwing

July 11, 2025, United Kingdom

In the early hours of July 11, two boys threw apples at Church House, part of St Edward’s Church in Romford, shattering multiple windows.

Vandalism in Münster church leads to restricted opening hours

July 10, 2025, Germany

As reported on 10 July, St. Bonifatius Church in Münster will remain closed outside of services due to a series of troubling acts of vandalism. According to the local pastor, Dr Heike Köhler, the building has repeatedly been defiled with faeces and littered with broken beer bottles. There have also been incidents of arson. Most recently, photographs of baptism candidates were deliberately set on fire.

Incitement to burn churches and priests

July 9, 2025, Italy

On the morning of 9 July, graffiti inciting violence against churches and priests was discovered on a house next to the Basilica of San Domenico in Perugia. The slogan read: "Churches should be burned down, but with the priests inside; otherwise it's not enough". An anarchist and transgender symbol was placed next to the quote.

Wycombe Church Issues Appeal for CCTV Amid Safety Concerns for Clergy and Congregants

July 9, 2025, United Kingdom

After a surge in anti-social behavior—including knife crime and drug activity—All Saints Church in High Wycombe is making a renewed appeal to install CCTV cameras. Reverend Anthony Searle described the situation as a “serious and ongoing threat” to public safety, especially for clergy and congregants.

Vandalism in Velen church

July 8, 2025, Germany

Repeated acts of vandalism at St. Andrew's Church in Velen, in the Borken district. The church has been left in a state of disarray, with overturned candles and firecrackers set off next to the high altar. The most recent example: The icon of 'Our Lady of Perpetual Help' was sprayed with wax, and the damage is estimated to be in the mid-three-digit range.

Statue of Mary damaged

July 8, 2025, Poland

An act of vandalism occurred in a stone grotto in Przyłęk when a statue of Mary was found beheaded.

Arson at the pilgrimage chapel in Friedberg

July 8, 2025, Germany

Unknown individuals deliberately set multiple small fires inside the Maria Alber chapel in Friedberg-West. On the evening of 8 July, several pieces of partially burned paper, including church leaflets, newspapers and torn pages from the chapel's prayer book, were found under pews and near the candle stands. Parish officials have reported growing unease among community members, as this is not the first arson attack in recent weeks.

Hostilities erupt outside church in Langenau

July 7, 2025, Germany

Violence by pro-Palestine demonstrators against the congregation of St Martin's Protestant Church in Langenau, in the Alb-Donau district, has escalated. During an unannounced gathering outside the church, two protesters reportedly became physically violent against members of the congregation and verbally abusive against the priest. Due to the repeated demonstrations becoming increasingly violent, many parishioners have stopped attending services out of fear.

Vandals Wreck Church Hall

July 7, 2025, United Kingdom

A Church Hall in Northern Ireland was left in ruins after a nighttime break-in. Windows were smashed, religious texts thrown out, and food smeared across the interior—prompting community outrage and a police investigation.

Knife-Wielding Man Threatens Worshippers in Rennes Chapel

July 6, 2025, France

A man armed with a knife threatened worshippers inside a chapel in Rennes, disrupting those present during a religious gathering. The individual was restrained by attendees and later arrested.

Altar of church in Lido vandalised

July 6, 2025, Italy

Unknown individuals entered the church of Tarquinia Lido, Maria Santissima Stella del mare, and overturned and damaged all the objects on the altar. According to reports, the vandals entered through a window at the back of the church and then targeted the side chapel where the consecrated hosts are kept.

Arson attack in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Helpers Stop Arsonist

July 6, 2025, Germany

On the afternoon of Saturday, June 29, 2025, a 28-year-old man allegedly set fire to several altars in the Catholic parish church of St. Martin in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. According to police, the man intentionally ignited altar cloths using a lighter and caused damage estimated in the high four-figure range. Two church visitors extinguished the flames before the fire department arrived and overpowered the suspect, who has been temporarily placed in a psychiatric clinic by court order.

Attempted Arson at Sierck‑les‑Bains Chapel

July 6, 2025, France

Two adolescents attempted to set fire to the Marienfloss Chapel in Sierck-les-Bains. Thankfully the fire did not spread and caused only minor damages.

Salsasio church closes to public due to repeated vandalism

July 3, 2025, Italy

Following repeated acts of vandalism and harassment of the faithful, the parish of Salsasio has decided to close the church on Via Novara to the public, keeping it open only for religious services. Parish leaders denounced the incidents as showing “contempt for a sacred place and for Christianity,” and expressed serious concern for the safety of the church and its sacred objects.

Arsonists Ignite Five Fires in Lavesum’s Antonius Church

July 2, 2025, Germany

On Friday, July 2, 2025, unknown individuals set multiple fires inside the Antonius Church in Lavesum, causing significant damage. Among the destroyed items was the canopy (baldachin) above the altar, and church officials suspect arson.

Sacristan struck down with cross

June 30, 2025, Germany

On June 30, a man attacked the sacristan of the Catholic St. Nikolaus parish in Rodgau, using a crucifix as a weapon. The attacker, who is born in Syria and holds Lebanese and German citizenship, initially confronted the church worker after being approached about loud music coming from his parked car. He kicked the sacristy door, punched the sacristan, and then tore a 1.6-meter crucifix from the wall, striking the victim so forcefully that it broke. According to reports, he then tried to use the broken pieces of the figure of Jesus as a stabbing weapon and shouted to a passerby, “Help me kill him.”

Sacred Heart Poster at Vienna Bus Stop Defaced with Pride Graffiti

June 30, 2025, Austria

A religious poster honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus was vandalised at a Vienna bus stop with black spray paint and a provocative slogan.

Man Threatens Sacristan During Mass

June 30, 2025, Spain

A man disrupted multiple Masses at a parish in Dos Hermanas, Sevilla, by demanding money from worshippers and threatening the church sacristan with death threats and xenophobic insults.

Christian Child Physically Attacked by Classmates After Revealing Faith in Kars

June 30, 2025, Turkey

An 8-year-old child from a Christian family in Kars was physically assaulted by classmates after disclosing their religious identity. The case highlights both anti-Christian bullying and the pressure felt by the family, who later withdrew their complaint.

Crucifix set alight and 40 headstones smashed

June 29, 2025, United Kingdom

A large wooden crucifix was set on fire and around 40 headstones were smashed in a serious act of vandalism at St Conval’s Cemetery in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, Scotland, in the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025. The Catholic community has expressed deep sorrow over the attack, which Bishop John Keenan described as “destructive violence.” A 39-year-old man has since been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Salerno Church doors smeared with excrements

June 28, 2025, Italy

On the morning of June 28, 2025, vandals defaced the Church of Sant’Anna al Porto in Salerno by smearing feces on both the main entrance and sacristy doors. This marked the second consecutive day of such an attack, discovered by Monsignor Claudio Raimondi and several parishioners.

Police investigate Arson at Northampton Church

June 27, 2025, United Kingdom

On the evening of June 27, 2025, a fire broke out at St Mary’s Church on Towcester Road in Northampton. Emergency services were called to the scene, and police are treating the incident as arson.

Confessional Destroyed in Arson Attack: Krefeld Church Closed for Months

June 27, 2025, Germany

A church in Krefeld was damaged after a confessional was set on fire. While the cause was initially unclear, the incident has since been confirmed as arson.

Vandal attacks parish staff when caught

June 27, 2025, Germany

On June 27, a 26-year-old man vandalised the floor of a church in Traunreut with a felt-tip pen and punched a church representative in the face when confronted. The suspect fled the scene but was later temporarily arrested by local police

Church in Peine target of arson

June 25, 2025, Germany

On the morning of 25 June, a Catholic parish church in Peine, Germany, was targeted in an attempted arson attack. The fire, likely started using accelerants, caused minor damage to the entrance door but was quickly extinguished by a church employee before it could spread.

Several Churches of Different Denominations in Traunreut Vandalised

June 25, 2025, Germany

In Traunreut, a town in Upper Bavaria, four churches from different denominations were vandalised over several days in the month of June. A young married couple admitted to vandalising multiple churches in Bavaria, citing a deep aversion to religious institutions.

Church in Orne desecrated

June 24, 2025, France

The tabernacle of the church in Mortagne-au-Perche (Orne) was desecrated on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. The religious building has been temporaily closed and will reopen on Saturday, 28 June for a Mass of Reparation.

Cross Vandalised on Mountain in Haute‑Savoie

June 21, 2025, France

In mid‑June 2025, only a few days after it was installed atop the Pointe du Sur Cou, a newly erected cross in Haute‑Savoie was defaced with a tag invoking France’s 1905 law on secularism. Antoine Valentin, mayor of Saint‑Jeoire, condemned the act as a calculated attempt to attack the Christian presence in France rather than a random act of vandalism.

Church Entrance Vandalised at Santissimo Salvatore Church in Noto

June 21, 2025, Italy

In the early hours of June 20, 2025, unknown vandals damaged a historic Baroque stone column at the entrance of the Santissimo Salvatore Church in Noto, Sicily. The incident was quickly addressed, with authorities and church officials securing the area to prevent further harm. This act of vandalism follows earlier incidents at the same location, including graffiti and minor property damage.

British Catholic Hospices Face Closure Following Assisted Suicide Vote

June 20, 2025, United Kingdom

British Catholic hospices and care homes for the elderly face potential closure after the controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was approved at Third Reading in the House of Commons on 20 June, passing by a narrow majority of just 23 votes. This bill, if enacted, would compel Catholic palliative care institutions that refuse to participate in assisted suicide on the basis of Christian teachings to either comply or face closure, raising deep concerns over the protection of institutional conscientious objection.

Arson Attack on Evangelical Street Preacher’s Trailer in Gütersloh

June 20, 2025, Germany

In the pre-dawn hours of June 20, 2025, unknown assailants set fire to a vehicle trailer belonging to street preacher Henning Heinrich Westrup in Gütersloh, North Rhine‑Westphalia. The trailer, emblazoned with the message “Jesus saves”, suffered extensive damage to its protective tarpaulin and exterior in what authorities are investigating as a deliberate act of arson.

Liturgical Gospel Book Ripped Apart in St. Ulrich bei Steyr Church

June 19, 2025, Austria

Between Monday 17 and Wednesday 19 June 2025, an unknown individual severely damaged a liturgical gospel at St Ulrich's parish church in Steyr, Austria. Parish staff found the Gospel, which had been left open on the side altar, completely vandalised — every single one of its 300 pages had been torn down the middle.

Man Threatens Guard at Cathédrale de La Major

June 19, 2025, France

A man was arrested at La Major Cathedral in Marseille after allegedly trampling on graves while shouting “Allahu Akbar” and threatening the site’s security guard.

Church in Lingen Suffered Heavy Vandalism

June 18, 2025, Germany

On the afternoon of Saturday, June 18, 2025, unidentified individuals broke into the Romanesque-Gothic St. Alexander Church in Lingen-Schepsdorf, leaving a trail of destruction. Several religious statues were vandalised—one completely destroyed, others defaced with melted wax—deeply shocking the local community, especially as this is not an isolated incident.

New Law on Religious Leadership Risks Criminalising Religious Practice

June 18, 2025, Romania

In June 2025, the Romanian Parliament adopted a legislative amendment to the country’s Law on Religious Communities, criminalising the “unauthorised exercise” of clerical or priestly functions. The new provision effectively grants the state and officially recognised religious denominations exclusive authority to determine who may lead religious communities. The amendment raises serious concerns regarding the protection of religious freedom.

Man steals church material amid anti-church statements

June 18, 2025, Germany

A 23-year-old man has been fined for stealing information leaflets and brochures from the parish church of Zum Heiligsten Erlöser. During the trial, the defendant openly expressed hostility towards church institutions.

Profanation of Church in Provins during Festival

June 14, 2025, France

During the medieval festival Médiévales, held on 14–15 June 2025, the Collégiale Saint-Quiriace in Provins was desecrated. This Gothic collegiate church, which is a historic landmark in the Diocese of Meaux, was open to both pilgrims and festival exhibitors. However, several stalls displayed occult and neo-pagan items, including books on Satanism, inside the sacred space. Witnesses also reported seeing a shirtless man dressed as a satyr, wearing horns, parading through the nave, alongside erotic imagery placed among the church’s pillars. The local bishop denounced this violation of the church's spiritual dignity.

Suspected Arson at Fourteen Holy Helpers Chapel

June 12, 2025, Germany

A chapel in Weißenhorn was damaged after unknown individuals set fire to a bouquet inside the building. The incident caused soot damage and is being investigated as suspected arson.

Banner with Hostile Message Displayed at Karlskirche

June 12, 2025, Austria

On 12 June 2025, a banner with hostile messaging was displayed at a church in Vienna ahead of a pro-life march. The act forms part of a series of incidents targeting Christian sites in the city.

Suspected Arson at Laval’s Sainte‑Trinité Cathedral Behind Scaffolding

June 11, 2025, France

In the early morning hours of June 11, 2025, a fire erupted on the scaffolding attached to the left side of the Sainte-Trinité Cathedral in Laval, Mayenne. The blaze, which began around 5 a.m., was quickly extinguished by firefighters after being alerted by a passerby.

Witness Suspects Arson at Saint-Pierre Church in Pontlevoy

June 11, 2025, France

On the afternoon of June 11, 2025, a small fire broke out inside the Église Saint-Pierre in Pontlevoy, southwestern Loir-et-Cher, France. The blaze started on a curtain near the sacristy and produced heavy smoke that filled the church, though damage fortunately remained limited. A passing resident, who attempted to extinguish the flames, alerted the fire department—leading investigators to suspect the incident may have been deliberate.

Arson Attack at Market Drayton’s St Mary’s Church

June 9, 2025, United Kingdom

St Mary’s Church in Market Drayton, Shropshire, was the target of a deliberate arson attack. Firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service were alerted on the morning of 9 June, arriving to find the large oak rear door of the church engulfed in flames. The fire was threatening to spread to nearby curtains and wooden roof timbers. Thanks to their swift emergency response, firefighters contained the fire before it could cause more extensive damage.

Vandals Cause Extensive Damage to Great Yarmouth Minster Windows

June 9, 2025, United Kingdom

According to a BBC article, published on June 9th, the historic Great Yarmouth Minster, the largest parish church in England, was targeted by vandals who hurled stones at its leaded windows, shattering dozens of diamond-shaped panes and severely damaging one large stained-glass window. The attack occurred in broad daylight, while church wardens were still cleaning up earlier damage. During the cleanup, another stone was thrown through a window, prompting staff to run outside and spot two teenage boys fleeing the scene.

Vandalism St. Anna Basilica in Altötting: Pentecost Service Relocated

June 8, 2025, Germany

On the night before Pentecost Sunday, June 8,  2025, a 19-year-old man vandalised the pilgrimage church of St. Anna in Altötting, damaging and soiling numerous sacred objects. Police estimate the resulting property damage to be in the mid-five-figure range. The violent incident disrupted morning Pentecost services.

Vandalism and Anti-Christian Slogans Target Karlskirche and Antonskirche in Vienna

June 8, 2025, Austria

On 8 June 2025, a church in Vienna was targeted in a severe act of vandalism involving the destruction of memorial crosses and anti-religious graffiti reading “Islam will prevail”. The incident combined property damage with elements of desecration and ideological messaging.

Orthodox Chapel in Olbia Desecrated on Pentecost Sunday

June 7, 2025, Italy

On the night of June 7th–8th, 2025, during Pentecost celebrations, the Orthodox chapel of Santa Croce in Olbia, Sardinia, was desecrated in a deeply disturbing attack. The door of the chapel, which is under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate, was broken open, sacred objects were defiled, and an icon of Christ Pantocrator was destroyed. Parish priest Fr. Nikolay Volskyy described the incident as painful and explicitly anti-Christian, while Don Gianni Satta of the neighboring Catholic parish condemned the act as a cowardly offense against religious faith.

Repeated Vandalism and Desecration Target Church in Trento

June 7, 2025, Italy

A church in Trento was targeted in a fourth attempted break-in, amid a series of incidents involving vandalism and degrading behaviour affecting multiple nearby church sites.

Church in Sindelfingen Vandalised

June 7, 2025, Germany

A church situated on Liebenzeller Straße in Sindelfingen, Baden-Württemberg, was targeted in a spree of vandalism. The damage was discovered later that day, with police confirming that unknown individuals had overturned liturgical furnishings, breaking off several candle holders, removing floral arrangements, plant pots, shelving, and other church fixtures, and relocating them to the building’s entrance vestibule.

Germany: Anti-Christian Hate Crimes rise by 22%

June 6, 2025, Germany

The German Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) recorded 337 politically motivated anti-Christian hate crimes for 2024, an increase of 21.66% from 277 crimes in 2023. This represents a continuation of the negative trend observed in the previous year, during which anti-Christian hate crimes increased by 100%.

Swastika Graffiti Defaces Church in Altmannstein

June 6, 2025, Germany

A church in Altmannstein was vandalised with a swastika, indicating an ideologically charged act targeting a place of worship.

Desecration of Crucifix in Rudy Raciborskie Forest

June 5, 2025, Poland

A wooden roadside crucifix in Rudy Raciborskie, Poland, was deliberately vandalised in a shocking incident. The perpetrators sawed off the arms of the figure of Jesus, turned it upside down and draped rubbish over the desecrated image. Locals say this was timed to coincide with a significant celebration at the nearby sanctuary marking the 25th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Pokorna. Residents described the incident as a deeply symbolic and intentional assault on their place of prayer.

Nocturnal Vandalism at Monthey Church: Confessional Left in “Appalling Condition”

June 5, 2025, Switzerland

A church in Monthey was affected by repeated acts of nighttime vandalism, including misuse of liturgical objects and damage inside the building. The incidents prompted the parish to restrict access.

Vandalism Defaces Fresco in Baveno Church

June 4, 2025, Italy

As reported on June 4th, the Church complex of Gervaso e Protaso in Baveno, on Lake Maggiore, saw intentional vandalism to one of its Via Crucis frescoes and the toppled external cross. The community reacted with sadness and concern, prompting calls for reflection and collective response.

Religious Statue Stolen from Church in Ashby de la Launde

June 2, 2025, United Kingdom

A church in Ashby de la Launde was targeted in a theft involving religious objects, including a statue of St Francis of Assisi. The incident has prompted concerns within the local community and led to increased security measures.

Vandalism at St. Michael's Church in Sonthofen

June 1, 2025, Germany

A church in Sonthofen was vandalised with graffiti accusing the institution of abuse. The wording of the message points to a defamatory and accusatory motive beyond material damage.

Spanish Evangelicals banned from using funeral chapels

May 31, 2025, Spain

In May 2025, the Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities of Spain (FEREDE) filed a formal complaint with the Spanish ombudsman, denouncing discrimination against the evangelical community in Spain, including a ban on using funeral chapels.

St. Anton's Church in Vienna Vandalised With Anti-Religious Slogans

May 31, 2025, Austria

The Church of St. Anton of Padua in Vienna’s 10th district, Favoriten, was once again defaced with graffiti, marking the third such incident within a short period. This time, the perpetrators spray-painted a mix of meaningless phrases and clear slogans with religious connotations on the church walls.

Rushmoor Council Withdraws Proposed Ban on Christians Street Preachers

May 31, 2025, United Kingdom

In March 2025, Rushmoor Borough Council applied for a court order that would have significantly restricted public expressions of Christian faith—including prayer, singing, and the distribution of religious literature. Following public backlash and engagement with local churches and legal representatives, the Council withdrew the proposed injunction.

Vandals Assault Parishioner And Destroy Church Window During Choir Practice

May 30, 2025, United Kingdom

On 30 May, 2025, a choir member was physically assaulted and a historic stained-glass window was broken during an evening rehearsal at St. Mary the Virgin Church in West Derby, Liverpool. This attack deeply shook both the choir members and the wider parish and raises concerns about personal safety in this sacred space.

Swastika Carved Into Church Door

May 28, 2025, Germany

A church in Berlin was vandalised with Nazi symbols, including a swastika and SS runes. Authorities are investigating the incident as ideologically motivated act targeting a place of worship.

Catholic Building Defaced With anti-Catholic Slogan

May 28, 2025, Spain

A Mairena del Aljarafe association of Catholic faithful was targeted in a vandalism incident when the exterior of its premises was defaced with the anti‑Catholic slogan "The most beautiful church is the one that burns the most."".

Graphic Depicting Violence Against Christians Shared Ahead of Vienna March for Life

May 27, 2025, Austria

On 27 May 2025, a graphic portraying violence against a Christian figure was shared on an Instagram account linked to left-wing extremist group in Vienna. The image formed part of a broader series of hostile posts targeting religious groups.

Altar Destroyed in Vandalism Attack on Shrine in Atri

May 26, 2025, Italy

The Sanctuary of Santa Rita shrine in Atri was vandalised, with the altar overturned and liturgical objects damaged, leaving the faithful and the entire religious community dismayed.

Chapel and cemetery in Levens damaged by fires

May 26, 2025, France

The commune of Levens in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France experienced a series of deliberate fires targeting sacred sites. The Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs and the adjacent cemetery were both affected, with fires being started on the altar cloths in the chapel and in plastic flower pots in front of several graves. These acts of vandalism have left the local community in shock and mourning, particularly as some of the incidents occurred during visits to the cemetery on Mother's Day.

Spanish Court Bans Father From Sharing Faith With His Son

May 26, 2025, Spain

Spain’s Constitutional Court has rejected the appeal of an evangelical father seeking to share his religious beliefs with his young son. The Court upheld earlier rulings that prohibit him from taking the child to church or reading the Bible with him, granting the mother exclusive authority over the child’s religious upbringing until the age of twelve.

Church in Athens Defaced with Pro-Palestinian Graffiti and Anarchist Symbols

May 25, 2025, Greece

A church in Athens was extensively vandalised with pro-Palestinian graffiti and anarchist symbols, covering a large portion of the building’s exterior. The incident has sparked outrage and concern among the parish and local community.

Newly renovated chapel desecrated in Poland

May 24, 2025, Poland

On the night of the 23rd to the 24th of May, unknown perpetrators destroyed the more than 150-year-old Catholic Chapel of Our Lady in Tarnawa Dolna. In another chapel, located in Wielopole, the glass was broken, but thanks to the fence, there was no major damage.

Two Christian Shrines Vandalised in Zagórz

May 23, 2025, Poland

On 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, Spain

A 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.

Church in Vignola Defaced with Violent Political Graffiti

May 21, 2025, Italy

A 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, Netherlands

The 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.

Church in Cagliari Defaced with Political and Anarchist Graffiti

May 19, 2025, Italy

A 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, Germany

In 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, Germany

A 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, Germany

In 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.

Consecrated Hosts Desecrated in Church in Venegono Superiore

May 16, 2025, Italy

A church in Venegono Superiore was desecrated after perpetrators overturned the tabernacle and scattered consecrated hosts on the ground. The act directly targeted elements central to Catholic worship and deeply affected the local community.

Double arson attacks at Sweden's church

May 15, 2025, Sweden

In May 2025, the historic wooden church in Älvsbyn, Sweden, fell victim to two suspected arson attacks within a short period of time. The first incident occurred on 11 May, when the remains of a small fire were discovered on the church's porch. The second attack took place shortly before 3 am on 15 May, when a fire was started at the entrance to the church. The police are investigating the attacks as arson.

Tabernacle Damaged in Church in Lyon

May 15, 2025, France

A man was arrested inside a church in Lyon after damaging the tabernacle and a donation box. The act directly targeted objects of central importance to Catholic worship.

Repeated Thefts and Acts of Desecration Target Church of San Ferdinando in Naples

May 15, 2025, Italy

A church in Naples was targeted by repeated thefts and acts of vandalism. The incidents included damage to religious objects and behaviour perceived as disrespectful toward the sacred character of the site.

Karlskirche in Vienna Targeted with Political Graffiti

May 15, 2025, Austria

A church in Vienna was vandalised with politically motivated graffiti, including pro-Palestinian slogans. The incident forms part of repeated vandalism affecting the site.

Repeated vandalism in Essen - Muslim youths start campaign to protect church

May 15, 2025, Germany

The church in Essen-Altendorf is increasingly being plagued by vandalism. The Kreuzeskirche, a historic Protestant church located in the city center, has recently been subjected to vandalism. Unknown perpetrators defaced the church's exterior by spray-painting a skull image on its walls adding to the problem of repeatedly broken windows.

San Francisco Parish Wall Vandalized In Response to Church Festivities

May 13, 2025, Spain

Graffiti criticizing firework use during Rute’s May Festivities defaced the parish of San Francisco, prompting condemnation from local religious leaders and discussions of joint action with the City Council.

Attempted arson at the Church of Sant'Agnese

May 12, 2025, Italy

Early on 12 May 2025, an attempted arson attack was carried out on the small church of Sant’Agnese in Città Sant’Angelo, Abruzzo. The wooden entrance door was set alight using a flammable liquid, but the quick action of local residents and firefighters prevented further damage. This incident followed an act of vandalism just four days earlier, when the glass of a votive shrine in the Crocifisso area was shattered.

Second arson attack on St Mary's Chapel in one year

May 12, 2025, Germany

On the evening of 12 May, St Mary's Chapel at St Margaret's Parish Church in Kahl am Main was targeted with arson for the second time this year. A church pew with seat cushions caught fire in a side wing of the building, causing toxic smoke to spread throughout the entire church. Although the flames had largely extinguished themselves by the time firefighters arrived, extensive smoke damage had been caused. The police are now searching for the arsonist.

Priest attacked by youths who threatened to set fire to his church

May 10, 2025, France

On the evening of 10 May, a group of young people approached the priest of the parish of Montfavet in Avignon and asked to enter the church, saying that they wanted to convert to Christianity. When they went in, they insulted the priest, shouted "Allah Akbar" and declared that they wanted to burn the building down, and then fled.

Repeat Vandalism Hits Church One Year On

May 10, 2025, Italy

The Church of Sant’Angelo Magno in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, was targeted by vandals for the second consecutive year. The perpetrators forced their way into the church and caused significant damage. Local residents, alerted by the noise, contacted the parish priest and the police. The swift response of the authorities caused the vandals to flee through the rear of the church.

Chemical Attack Targets Christian Congress

May 10, 2025, Germany

A butyric acid attack took place at the Christian “Leben.Würde” congress at the Schönblick conference centre in Schwäbisch Gmünd, resulting in disruption and damage to the venue.

Church attacked with stones after recent destruction of crib

May 9, 2025, Italy

The small countryside church of Madonna di Valverde in Dorgali, Sardinia, was vandalised when unknown individuals broke the door lock and threw stones inside. Although the altar and sacred objects were left untouched, this incident has shocked the local community, especially as it follows a series of similar occurrences in recent months. Just a month earlier, a marble nativity scene on the Carmel Hill was destroyed by hammer blows, a gesture against a religious symbol that shocked the local community.

Fire At Church in Vinovo

May 9, 2025, Italy

A group of minors set fire to a parish in Vinovo, causing damage to church premises. The act was identified as vandalism and led to police intervention.

Desecration of the church of Saint-Aygulf

May 5, 2025, France

A church in Saint-Aygulf was desecrated after perpetrators broke in, removed the tabernacle, and stole consecrated hosts. The act targeted what Catholics consider the most sacred element of their faith.

Freshly Restored Church Entrance Defaced with Graffiti in Cádiz

May 5, 2025, Spain

The entrance of a church in Cádiz was vandalised with graffiti shortly after restoration, affecting part of the city’s religious heritage. The act targeted the façade of a place of worship and caused concern among the local community.

Two Churches Targeted with Anti-Religious Graffiti and Vandalism in Hanover and Alfeld

May 5, 2025, Germany

Two Protestant churches in Hannover and Alfeld were vandalised with anti-religious graffiti and damage to church property. The incidents, featuring identical slogans, suggest a coordinated or related act targeting places of worship.