All cases
Desecration of the chapel in the former dormitory
May 1, 2025, PolandSomeone broke into the interior of the chapel in historic dormitory in the old town of Mielec. Inside they destroyed and stole valuable liturgical objects and the monstrance. The altar cross was broken into pieces and left outside the chapel. A large amount of candle oil was spilled on the floor, which could point to an attempt at arson. The Curia of the Diocese of Tarnów, considering this scandalous event as an act of profanation, decided to close the chapel temporarily. All services were moved to another parish.
Altar Cross Destroyed in Chapel Desecration in Mielec
May 1, 2025, PolandA chapel in Mielec was desecrated, with an altar cross completely destroyed and liturgical items, including books, stolen.
two-metre-high wooden cross cut down
May 1, 2025, FranceIn Curancy, Burgundy, on the night of 30 April, a two-metre-high wooden Christian cross was deliberately cut down and stolen from the woods. The vandals used a saw to cut it down and made off with it. Shocked by the incident, the mayor filed a police report, describing the act as 'a direct attack on a symbol of faith'.
St Eloi Chapel in Hautmont Vandalised with Political Graffiti
May 1, 2025, FranceThe St Eloi Chapel in Hautmont’s Bois-du-Quesnoy district was vandalised over the weekend of May 1, with graffiti reading “FREE GAZA” sprayed on four walls of the façade.
Vandals leave trail of destruction in church
April 30, 2025, ItalyVandals broke into the historic church of Pia Opera Pastore in Alcamo, Sicily, causing extensive damage to sacred art, objects and furnishings. Paintings were defaced, religious objects destroyed and the church left in disarray - an attack condemned by local officials as a serious offence against the community and its cultural and religious heritage.
Flottes Church Bells Damaged in Sabotage Act
April 30, 2025, FranceIn Flottes, the bells of Saint-Blaise church were vandalised for the second time in recent weeks, causing them to ring out of tune and resulting in repair costs estimated at €6,000, according to the mayor.
Animal Carcasses Dumped Outside New Forest Churches
April 29, 2025, United KingdomA 47‑year‑old Southampton man pleaded guilty for leaving decapitated animal remains outside multiple Christian churches in a series of acts which have been classified religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm, or distress.
Church Volunteer Assaulted Amid Series of Break-Ins in Concesio
April 27, 2025, ItalyA church volunteer was assaulted during an attempted theft inside a church in Concesio, as part of a series of break-ins affecting multiple parish sites. The incidents involved forced entry, damage, and theft from donation boxes, raising concern within the local community.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Chapel in Catania
April 25, 2025, ItalyConsecrated hosts were stolen from a chapel in Catania, in an act regarded as desecration in Catholic belief. The incident prompted a call for reparation and prayer across the local archdiocese.
Church in Alsace severely vandalised: €10,000 in damage
April 24, 2025, FranceOn the night of 24 April, the collegiate church of Saint-Martin in Colmar was vandalised by an intruder who climbed through scaffolding, damaged sacred objects and left the church in disarray. Despite spending almost three hours inside and causing over €10,000 in damage, the perpetrator - who was caught on CCTV and reportedly under the influence of drugs - stole nothing. The incident shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about the protection of religious and cultural heritage.
Historic Chapel in Port Talbot Severely Damaged in Suspected Arson
April 24, 2025, United KingdomA historic Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in Port Talbot was severely damaged by a fire suspected to be arson.
Church closes after attacks on parish staff
April 23, 2025, AustriaThe parish of Breitenfeld has had to severely restrict access to its church following repeated violent attacks against parish workers and acts of vandalism. An unknown man attacked a parish secretary, pushing her to the ground and kicking her several times. A few days later, a 74-year-old sexton was similarly attacked, suffering injuries so severe that he had to be hospitalised for several days. Vandalism to the church building was also confirmed. As a result, the church is now only open for mass, and there is a police presence.
Parish Targeted in Paint Vandalism
April 21, 2025, GermanyBetween Sunday, April 20, and Monday, April 21, 2025, an unknown individual vandalised a church on Kirchstraße in Haren, Lower Saxony. All five entrance doors and the surrounding masonry were defaced with paint.
Church and graveyard defaced with blasphemous graffiti
April 18, 2025, United KingdomOn Good Friday, 18 April, St James' Church in Leyland, Lancashire, was vandalised with lewd images and anti-Christian messages. The graffiti included sexually graphic content, explicit blasphemy, and defaced both the church building and at least 40 gravestones in the churchyard with offensive statements such as "God is a lie".
Statue of the Virgin Mary and Altar Vandalized on Good Friday
April 18, 2025, FranceA religious site in central Les Sables-d’Olonne was found desecrated on Good Friday, prompting condemnation and restoration efforts by local authorities.
Cross Vandalized on Rzędowa Rock
April 18, 2025, PolandUnknown individuals defaced a prominent Christian cross in Zawiercie-Bzów, severing its upper arm and painting it black, prompting a police investigation.
Priest Assaulted After Good Friday Mass in Lisieux
April 18, 2025, FranceA priest in Lisieux was assaulted following a Good Friday service. Authorities have opened a judicial procedure explicitly referring to violence committed on religious grounds.
Church Benches Vandalised in Iserlohn
April 15, 2025, GermanyA group of young people deliberately damaged wooden benches at the Oberste Stadtkirche in Iserlohn, according to a police report. A witness saw the group fleeing — some towards the train station, others towards Unnaer Straße.
Religious Statue Destroyed in Vandalism
April 15, 2025, PolandIn Warsaw’s Praga-Północ district, vandals attacked a statue of Mary located near the Church of Our Lady of Loreto. Using a hammer, they destroyed the figure’s face and hands. The incident shocked local residents.
Religious Statue Targeted
April 14, 2025, PolandA statue of the Virgin Mary was deliberately knocked over in Pruszcz Gdański, in an act described as desecration. The incident targeted a religious figure of central importance to Catholic devotion.
Orthodox Church Desecrated and Religious Objects Damaged in Mostar
April 13, 2025, Bosnia and HerzegovinaResidents of the Raštani settlement in Mostar discovered that the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Procopius had been vandalised. Frescoes destroyed, oil lamps torn down, and sacred items - including the Gospel Book and donations - stolen.
Man Disrupts Religious Services and Targets Christian Symbol in Almería
April 13, 2025, SpainA man repeatedly disrupted religious services and insulted worshippers inside a church in Almería, while also removing a Christian banner depicting the Cristo del Mar from a nearby residence. The incidents affected both the practice of worship and visible expressions of Christian faith in the local community.
Third attack on chapel in recent months
April 13, 2025, ItalyA votive shrine in Lonato del Garda has suffered its third act of vandalism in 3 months. In the latest incident, a wooden crucifix was torn from the wall and thrown away. Previously, a statue of the Madonna had been destroyed and a crucifix depicting Christ had been stolen.
Attack on Holy Week Procession in Toledo
April 12, 2025, SpainA religious procession during Holy Week in Toledo was disrupted when a man lunged at the individual carrying the processional cross, displacing it.
Man Insults Worshippers During Mass Commemoration in Gliwice
April 10, 2025, PolandA man entered the sanctuary area of a church in Gliwice, verbally abusing worshippers and using anti-Catholic insults. The incident disrupted a religious commemoration and involved actions perceived as desecration within the church.
Bible set alight on wooden altar
April 10, 2025, GermanyA Bible was set alight with a match in the Protestant church in Groß-Gerau. It was on the wooden altar, but did not burn down completely.
Protestant schools in France excluded from Erasmus+
April 10, 2025, FranceIn a written question to the European Commission, Dutch MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen raised concerns over France’s exclusion of private schools—including Protestant and Montessori institutions—from the EU’s Erasmus+ student mobility programme. He questioned how this policy aligns with the programme’s stated commitment to inclusivity for both public and private educational institutions. In its response on 10 April, the European Commission reaffirmed that Erasmus+ is designed to be inclusive. However, it ultimately placed responsibility on national authorities, stating that France is within its rights to define eligibility criteria for participation.
Statue of Saint Damaged Outside Church in Swobnica
April 8, 2025, PolandDuring the night of 7–8 April, vandals A statue of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus was knocked over and damaged outside a church in Swobnica, West Pomerania.. The statue was overturned and broken, shocking the local community.
Vandals damage several churches in Odenwald region
April 8, 2025, GermanyIn the Odenwald region, several churches were attacked by vandals. At a church in Schweinberg, the stucco decoration on the high altar was broken off and thrown to the ground. Vandals also left cigarette butts and damaged collection boxes.
Religious statue damaged
April 8, 2025, GermanyIn Salzgitter-Bad, unknown vandals caused damage to a local church. A statue of Mary, part of a group of holy figures, was removed and the wall damaged.
Swastika Carved into Church Door
April 8, 2025, GermanyIn Coburg, unknown perpetrators carved a swastika into the copper front door of the Protestant Church of St John. The church's showcase was also damaged. Police are investigating the case as criminal damage and the use of unconstitutional symbols and have appealed for witnesses.
Swastika Carved into Church Door in Coburg
April 8, 2025, GermanyA church in Coburg was vandalised with two swastikas and the neo-Nazi code "88" carved into its entrance door.
500-year-old altar damaged
April 7, 2025, GermanyOn 7 April, a vandal broke into the historic Abbey Church in Öhringen and seriously damaged the church's 500-year-old wooden high altar. The unknown offender broke off and destroyed the sword from a figure of the Apostle Paul and stole a valuable altar cloth.
Mass Disrupted by Pro-Palestinian Activist in Toulouse Basilica
April 6, 2025, FranceA Mass in Toulouse was disrupted when an individual entered the sanctuary area and delivered a pro-Palestinian political message during the service. The incident interrupted the religious celebration. According to a report, he was filmed by "supporters" who entered the church as well.
Church defaced with anti-Israeli graffiti
April 6, 2025, GermanyUnknown persons had written anti-Israeli graffiti on a window in the entrance area of a church in Neukölln, Berlin. Further investigation was taken over by the State Security Police.
Fire in church: Police suspect arson
April 6, 2025, GermanyUnknown persons have apparently attempted to set fire to the grounds of a church on Harffer Strasse in Neuss-Erfttal. According to initial findings, a wooden flowerpot was set alight inside the church building.
Anti-Religious Graffiti Appears on Church Wall in Göttingen
April 5, 2025, GermanyAnti-religious graffiti was sprayed on a church in Göttingen, targeting the building with an ideological message about religion.
Man Harasses Worshippers in Church in Eboli and Attacks Officers
April 5, 2025, ItalyA man entered a church in Eboli and harassed the faithful during evening prayers by aggressively demanding money. The police had to intervene.
Church Windows Broken in Vandalism in Thorembais-les-Béguines
April 5, 2025, BelgiumA church in Thorembais-les-Béguines was vandalised, with several stained-glass windows deliberately broken. The incident affected the structure of the church and prompted a police investigation.
Statue of the Virgin Mary Vandalised in Mhère
April 5, 2025, FranceA man was observed vandalising a statue of the Virgin Mary situated at a roadside calvary in the hamlet of Enfert. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM and was witnessed by a local resident. The perpetrator appeared to be recording himself during the act. The event has left the local community shocked and concerned.
Christian woman convicted for holding sign "here to talk if you want"
April 4, 2025, United KingdomA 63-year-old Christian woman, Livia Tossici-Bolt, has been convicted for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by holding a sign that read "here to talk, if you want" near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth. This case raises significant concerns about the impact of such orders on religious freedom and the right to free expression.
Thousands in Damages Every Month
April 4, 2025, GermanyChurches in Cologne's city centre, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, are regularly targeted by vandals, causing thousands of euros in damage each month. Dr Dominik Meiering, the leading priest for Cologne's inner city, expressed concern about the repeated desecration, theft and graffiti, describing it as a serious burden on the Church and a threat to its public mission.
Vandals destroy shrine and cut off arms of Jesus statue
April 3, 2025, PolandUnknown perpetrators desecrated a religious site on the roadside between the villages of Podlesie and Sławno, destroying a statue of the Mary, tearing the body of a Jesus figure from the cross and breaking off its arms and damaging a painting of the Passion. The incident caused outrage among the locals.
Church crosses destroyed in Paternò
April 2, 2025, ItalyOn 2 April 2025, vandals destroyed two large crosses outside the Chiesa Madre in Paternò, Sicily. The attack follows other recent incidents in the same town, including an attempted theft of a sacred painting and verbal abuse during a Christian procession, raising serious concerns about growing hostility towards the local Christian community.
Repeated urine, faeces and riots in Mainz churches
April 1, 2025, GermanyIn recent weeks, several churches in Mainz have suffered serious acts of vandalism, including the desecration of holy water with urine and the destruction of confessional doors. These incidents have deeply distressed local clergy and parishioners, and have led to discussions about possible church closures to prevent further offences.
Church walls defaced with Swastika
April 1, 2025, GermanyBetween 30 March and 1 April, unknown persons sprayed graffiti on the walls of St Martin's Church in Hermeskeil. The graffiti included a swastika on the outside of the church.
Man smashes church windows and attacks priest
March 31, 2025, GreeceIn Volos, Greece, a man vandalised a local church by smashing its windows before attacking a hieromonk, striking him multiple times. The incident has deeply unsettled the local clergy and parishioners.
Finnish Couple Convicted for Private Prayer
March 31, 2025, FinlandOn 31 March 2025, a Finnish court convicted an elderly Christian couple of “assault” after praying with a young man about issues relating to sexuality. Despite the fact that the prayers were non-coercive and the young man had sought the support and participated in the prayers on his own initiative, the court upheld his claim that the prayers had caused psychological harm. The judgment—believed to be the first of its kind in Finland—has raised concerns about the application of criminal law to religiously motivated pastoral care and its potential implications for freedom of religion or belief.
Relic Busts Stolen from Church in Guémené-sur-Scorff in Repeated Theft
March 30, 2025, FranceTwo reliquary busts were stolen from a church in Guémené-sur-Scorff, marking the second theft targeting religious objects at the site within one month. The incident affected items of both religious and historical significance.
Desecration of crosses at the sanctuary
March 30, 2025, SpainOn the night of 29-30 March, vandals destroyed two crosses near the Sanctuary of St Michael in Aralar, in the Spanish Archdiocese of Pamplona and Tudela. This is the second attack on the site in recent months.
Anti-Christian Graffiti Discovered at Pamplona Church During Holy Week
March 28, 2025, SpainSantiago Parish in Pamplona was vandalized during Holy Week with graffiti containing anti-Christian threats, incitement to violence, blasphemous slogans, and political extremist messages.
Hateful Messages and Damage of Church Logo at Sestao Church
March 27, 2025, SpainUnknown individuals placed offensive stickers on the entrance of the Evangelical Church of Cuerpo de Cristo in Sestao, Vizcaya, displaying anti-Semitic messages and a swastika. The vandals also targeted the church's emblem, which contained Jewish symbols.
Vandalism in church
March 26, 2025, GermanyUnknown individuals entered the church on Wieslocher Straße and caused significant damage. Among other things, a plate of holy water was smashed, a microphone and its stand were knocked over, and the glass panel on the confessional door was broken. The intruders also removed a pipe from the organ and placed it on the altar. The unknown individuals then fled the church undetected.
Attempt to Ram Church Door with Vehicle in Borno
March 23, 2025, ItalyUnknown perpetrators attempted to force entry into a church in Borno by ramming the main entrance with a vehicle. The act directly targeted the church building but caused only limited damage.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from Church in Hranice
March 23, 2025, Czech RepublicA man stole approximately 80 consecrated hosts from a church in Hranice. The incident caused shock among parishioners present at the church.
Man Damages Statue and Sets Fire to Church in Spilt
March 22, 2025, CroatiaOn 22 March 2025, in the church of St. Dominic in Split, a man damaged a statue and then started a fire on the candle stand with a gas lighter which caught fire when it was left on a candle, and the flame spread to the plastic candle holders on the stand. He is also suspected of stealing a metal gas bottle from a cupboard in the church.
Retired pastor faces trial for public worship service near abortion clinic
March 21, 2025, United KingdomClive Johnston, a retired pastor in Northern Ireland is facing trial for holding an open-air Christian service near an abortion clinic, raising serious concerns about the impact of so-called ‘buffer zone’ laws on religious freedom and freedom of expression.
Serious episodes of vandalism: Easter candle soiled with excrement
March 20, 2025, GermanySeveral churches in the Kraichgau region have recently suffered damage. Kürnbach has been the victim of vandalism twice - someone relieved himself and damaged candles and the altar bible. In Zaisenhausen, six windows were smashed with stones. In Bretten-Büchig the organ was covered with a sticky liquid.
Marian Statue and Church Window Damaged in Dornburg-Langendernbach
March 19, 2025, GermanyA Marian statue and a church window were damaged in an act of vandalism in Dornburg-Langendernbach.
Tabernacle Desecrated and Eucharist Stolen
March 17, 2025, SpainA church in Arroyo de la Encomienda was desecrated after perpetrators opened the tabernacle and stole consecrated hosts. The act has been strongly condemned by the Archdiocese of Valladolid and has affected the wider Catholic community.
Elderly Priest Assaulted and Robbed in Cambrai
March 17, 2025, FranceA 96-year-old priest in Cambrai was violently assaulted, tied up, and robbed in his presbytery. Four suspects have since been arrested and are facing charges including aggravated violence, unlawful detention, and the theft of both personal and religious items.
Court dismisses case against Christian preacher prosecuted for criticising Islam
March 14, 2025, United KingdomOn 12 March, a British court found Christian street preacher Karandeep Mamman not guilty of "causing religious harassment, alarm or distress" after he publicly criticised the Koran during a street sermon in January 2023. Listeners also reacted aggressively to him, threatening to beat him up and ''cut his throat'' and only letting him go after police arrived.
Wayside cross damaged
March 13, 2025, GermanyUnknown offenders have desecrated a cross on a footpath and cycle path near Haar, east of Munich. The left arm of the crucified Jesus was torn off and half a foot was chopped off.
Serious episode of desecration
March 12, 2025, ItalyUnknown assailants broke into the Church of St Paul the Apostle in Borgo Nuovo during the night, ransacked the parish and stole the chalice and the pyx containing the consecrated hosts.
Teenagers commit crimes in church
March 10, 2025, GermanyIn Quedlinburg, a trio of teenagers threw stones at a man at St. Benedict's Church. The church door was damaged. The man also observed one of the teenagers drawing a swastika in the guest book.
Church in Brittany vandalised twice in two weeks
March 10, 2025, FranceVandalism and burglaries have been reported in Treffiagat-Léchiagat, France. The church of Notre-Dame des Flots has been attacked twice since the beginning of March. The damage to the religious building was shocking to the faithful: smashed candles, torn liturgical books, overturned pews, broken vases and more.
Acid attack on Christian café: 15 attacks since July 2024
March 10, 2025, GermanyThe Café "Stay" of an evangelical free church in Leipzig has been attacked with butyric acid. The perpetrators probably poured acid into the coffee shop through the keyhole of the entrance door. The owners had to call the fire brigade. The perpetrators are suspected to be left-wing extremists. This is the 15th attack on the Christian café since July 2024.
Historic Gravestone Cross Destroyed in Repeat Vandalism at Baldock Churchyard
March 10, 2025, United KingdomA historic gravestone cross was knocked over and destroyed in a churchyard in Baldock, marking a second vandalism incident within a year. The damage affected burial memorials of long-standing significance to the local community.
Statue Profanation in Saint-Denis
March 10, 2025, FranceAn act of profanation targeting a religious statue was reported in Saint-Denis, leading to police arrests shortly afterwards. The perpetrators had also posted the act on social media.
Church Vandalised and Eucharistic Vessel Taken
March 9, 2025, ItalyUnknown persons broke into the church of Santa Teresa del Bambin Gesù in Battipaglia. They overturned candles, damaged offertories and a broken glass in the sacristy, but stole only a small case used by extraordinary ministers to bring the Eucharist to the sick.
Altar cloth set on fire
March 8, 2025, ItalyUnknown persons set fire to the cloth covering the main altar of the church of San Francesco, the sanctuary of San Nicola Greco. The cause of the crime is still unknown, although there has been a lot of vandalism in the city in recent weeks.
Gravestones at Churchyard in Maidstone Targeted with Swastikas
March 8, 2025, United KingdomAt least six swastikas were etched into gravestones at a churchyard in Maidstone, targeting burial sites associated with a Christian place of worship. The incident prompted an investigation by local authorities.
Repeated vandalism seals church doors with cement in Loimil.
March 7, 2025, SpainA church in Loimil was targeted in a repeated act of vandalism in which doors were sealed with cement.
Racist Harassment of Priest and Vandalism Reported at Parish in Dragona
March 4, 2025, ItalyA parish in Rome has reported a series of incidents involving vandalism, blasphemy, and the disruption of church activities, culminating in the racist harassment of a priest. The church has now restricted access to the premises.
Church closed outside service due to repeated vandalism
March 3, 2025, ItalyThe Parish of the Santissimi Petro e Giacomo Apostoli has decided to close the Church of San Giacomo, in Via Roma, except during liturgical celebrations due to increasing vandalism. The church has repeatedly had flower pots, offerings and stations of the cross stolen, as well as the figure of Jesus from the nativity scene and excrement behind the altar.
Altar Cross Stolen from High Altar in Church in Thalfang
March 3, 2025, GermanyA wooden altar cross was stolen from the high altar of a Catholic church in Thalfang, directly targeting a central object of religious significance within the church.
Vandals target Baptist Church
March 3, 2025, IrelandA Limavady Baptist the church in Northern Ireland has been targeted by vandals who destroyed a sign advertising a children's Sunday School. It was deliberately destroyed—torn up and rendered useless.
DONE JH: desecration of our monastery quarter
March 3, 2025, GermanyNazi symbols were sprayed in the vicinity of a church in Bad Herrenalb, and a church-affiliated youth bus was also vandalised. The incidents form part of an ongoing series affecting the church environment.
Pait attack on Mühlhausen church
March 2, 2025, GermanyVandals sprayed pink paint on the front door, display case and adjacent wall of the Evangelical Free Church in Mühlhausen. The perpetrator then fled the scene.
Desecration: Gave crosses turned upside down
March 2, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators dug up seven grave crosses at the Erzhütten cemetery in Germany over the weekend and put them back in the ground upside down. According to police, at least two crosses and one grave were damaged.
Car of Parish Priest Set on Fire At Church in Santo Stefano d’Aspromonte
March 2, 2025, ItalyThe car of a parish priest was deliberately set on fire next to a church in Santo Stefano d’Aspromonte, directly affecting a member of the clergy and the church environment. The incident has raised concern within the local community.
Sacrilegious Theft at Church in Ancona
March 1, 2025, ItalyA patena used during the Eucharist was stolen from a church in Ancona, in an act directly targeting an object of central liturgical significance, which is considered a “sacrilegious theft,” by the parish priest.
Baptismal Font Damaged in Church in Venningen
March 1, 2025, GermanyA baptismal font was deliberately damaged inside a Catholic church in Venningen, affecting an object used for a central Christian sacrament. The perpetrators remain unidentified.
Baptist church vandalised with Antifa
February 28, 2025, HungaryOn 28 February, the Baptist congregation in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, discovered that the facade of their church building had been vandalised with the slogan "God is dead". The graffiti also contained antifa symbols.
Riot in church in Neheim
February 28, 2025, GermanyAn unknown offender has vandalised the Catholic church of St John the Baptist in Neheim. The man destroyed a cross, broke off the head and arms of a figure of Jesus, knocked over candlesticks and tore and smeared tablecloths on the high altar. He also spilled liquids and scattered books on the floor.
Christian Midwife Student Suspended over Expressing Conscientious Objections
February 28, 2025, United KingdomSara Spencer, a Christian midwifery student in Scotland, has been suspended from her National Health Service placement for comments she made on a private Facebook forum explaining her conscientious objection to performing abortions. Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Spencer's professors at Edinburgh Napier University have continued to warn her against expressing "inappropriate" pro-life views.
Vandalism of Chapel in Olbia
February 26, 2025, ItalyOn 26 February, the parish priest of Sant'Ignazio da Laconi found the small church of San Vittore in Olbia vandalised. Unknown perpetrators had broken rosaries, altar candlesticks and several other sacred objects. The police are now investigating the incident.
Suspected Arson Attack on Church in Saumur
February 26, 2025, FranceOn 26 February, a fire destroyed the 17th century door of the church of Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers in Saumur (Maine-et-Loire, France). Around thirty firefighters and a dozen vehicles were mobilised to bring the fire under control. Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the authorities suspect arson and have launched an investigation.
Sacrilegious Theft Targets Church in Lille
February 23, 2025, FranceA Catholic church in Lille was burglarised, with perpetrators stealing a ciborium and lunula containing consecrated hosts, an act considered desecration in Catholic belief. The incident has deeply affected the local parish community.
Ten Commandments Mural Stolen from Church in Lincolnshire
February 23, 2025, United KingdomThree religious murals, including a depiction of the Ten Commandments, were stolen from a church in Little Steeping, Lincolnshire.
Nottinghamshire village church severely vandalised
February 23, 2025, United KingdomThe church of St Mary and St Martin in Blyth was severely vandalised, with a stained glass window smashed, an effigy of a knight damaged, a knife plunged into the bell tower door and religious objects desecrated.
Roadside cross vandalised in Lublin
February 22, 2025, PolandA 48-year-old man has been arrested for vandalising a roadside cross in Jakubowice Konińskie (near Lublin). The suspect broke the cross and threw it under an oncoming vehicle, just before destroying the candles placed near the monument. The man has now been charged with destruction of public property and insulting religious feelings.
Catholic priest violently beaten in Auxerre
February 22, 2025, FranceOn 22 February, a Catholic priest was attacked by two people outside the church of Saint-Eusèbe. The assailants insulted the priest, knocked him to the ground and punched him several times in the face. The priest, who had bruising and oedema on his face, was taken to hospital in a state of shock. Police are searching for the suspects.
Sacrilegious theft in Quattro Castella
February 21, 2025, ItalyA church in Quattro Castella was desecrated after unknown perpetrators forced the tabernacle and removed consecrated hosts.
Church Altar Cloth Set on Fire
February 21, 2025, GermanyAn unknown perpetrator ignited an altar cloth in St Sebastian’s Church in Bad Aibling, leaving burn damage to the side altar and a melted microphone cable.
Jesus Figure Torn from Cross During Vandalism in Church in Olten
February 20, 2025, SwitzerlandTwo men vandalised a church in Olten, destroying parts of the interior and tearing a figure of Jesus from the cross. The incident caused shock among parishioners.
Theft of Consecrated Hosts at Santarcangelo Convent
February 20, 2025, ItalyA theft occurred at the Capuchin Friars Minor Convent in Santarcangelo, Rimini, where the tabernacle and ciborium with consecrated hosts were stolen, prompting Bishop Nicolò Anselmi to condemn the act as a potential satanic desecration.
Santa Faz cross in Alicante vandalised again
February 20, 2025, SpainTwo years ago, on carnival night, the cross of the Holy Face, located in a public square near Alicante City Hall, was vandalised by unknown persons. The incident happened again on the same night, 20 February, and the cross was severely damaged. The Town Hall has now promised to install additional security measures to protect this public Christian symbol.
Altar Cross Stolen from Church in Emmerich
February 20, 2025, GermanyA bronze altar cross was stolen from the altar of a church in Emmerich am Rhein, directly targeting a central Christian symbol. The removal of the cross from the altar has raised concern within the local parish.
Christian prayer leader first charged under Scotland's buffer zone law
February 19, 2025, United KingdomRose Docherty, a 74-year-old Christian and leader of the pro-life prayer group "40 Days for Life", has become the first person to be arrested under Scotland's new abortion 'buffer zone' law for holding a silent vigil near a Glasgow hospital. The law, which criminalises any attempt to 'influence' abortion decisions within 200 metres of a facility, raises fundamental rights concerns. Pro-life groups plan to hold upcoming prayer vigils only outside the buffer zones, but politicians are already pushing for further extensions of the zones.