All cases
Repeated vandalism in Essen - Muslim youths start campaign to protect church
May 15, 2025, GermanyThe 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.
Attempted arson at the Church of Sant'Agnese
May 12, 2025, ItalyEarly 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, GermanyOn 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, FranceOn 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, ItalyThe 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, GermanyA 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, ItalyThe 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, ItalyA 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, FranceA 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, SpainThe 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, GermanyTwo 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.
Religious Statues repeatedly stolen in Lot-et-Garonne
May 2, 2025, FranceIn Lot-et-Garonne, at least three statues of the Virgin Mary were stolen recently, the latest occurring on Friday 2 May beside a rural road on the plateau north of Condat in the commune of Fumel, prompting the town hall to issue an appeal for witnesses.
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.