All cases
Feces Thrown at Frescoes in Rome’s Santa Maria degli Angeli Basilica
September 9, 2025, ItalyA 60-year-old woman of Austrian origin was reported for defacing sacred property after throwing feces at frescoes and prayer benches inside the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome. The artworks were protected by plexiglass and remained undamaged.
Statue of Mary Set on Fire During Mass
September 8, 2025, FranceA fire broke out in the oratory of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours in Guingamp during a Monday mass, partially burning a statue of the Virgin and Child. While investigations have not yet confirmed the origin, the local church association stated the act appeared deliberate, citing the absence of any heat source near the statue and the repeated targeting of the church with arson attacks.
Historic Church in Ponte di Piave Targeted by Serial Vandalism and Desecration
September 8, 2025, ItalyRotten meat left at the altar, sacred statues defaced, and a fire narrowly extinguished—months of escalating desecration forced the closure of a historic church in Ponte di Piave, now set to reopen under surveillance. The parish priest spoke of serious desecration and a sustained campaign against the church and its clergy.
Anti‑Clerical Messages Found on Málaga School
September 8, 2025, SpainA Catholic school in Málaga was vandalised with Nazi symbols and anti‑clerical graffiti, with some messages specifically targeteting the pupils and the religious sisters who run the school.
Public Iron Cross Torn Down
September 7, 2025, FranceA Christian cross located in Nice was forcibly removed and discarded during the night of September 6–7. The mayor condemned the act as an "unacceptable desecration."
Vandalism at Melsungen Church
September 6, 2025, GermanyUnidentified individuals damaged a baptismal candle and donation box inside the Melsungen city church, prompting police investigations. The church parish filed a criminal complaint due to multiple similar incidents occurring in the area.
Church Door Set on Fire in Arson Attack
September 5, 2025, GermanyA historic church in Wismar was targeted in a late-night arson attack, leaving its entrance severely damaged and prompting a police investigation.
Catholic Hermitage Vandalised
September 5, 2025, SpainThe hermitage of Santa Isabel in Canet lo Roig was subjected to an act of vandalism, during which its entrance was forcibly damaged, and a statue of St. Isabel was broken. The Mayor condemned the act, underlining the impact on the local community.
Three Religious Statues Damaged in Vandalism Attack
September 3, 2025, ItalyTwo separate waves of vandalism occured on the same day at San Rocco Church in Lodi. Three statues were damaged and a crucifix was thrown down but did not sustain any damage. The act followed similar attacks a few months ago and forces the parish to consider taking further security measures.
Vandalism at St. John’s Church in Backnang
September 3, 2025, GermanyOn 3 September 2025, an unknown individual attempted to break into donation boxes at a church in Backnang and then deliberately caused severe damage to the holy water basin and a religious statue inside the building. The incident involved both attempted theft and targeted vandalism, resulting in material damage.
Two Church Vandalisms in One Week
September 2, 2025, GermanyTwo consecutive incidents of vandalism at occurred at St. Benedikt Church in Herbern, Germany. Cushion were scorched and hymnals flung into the chandelier.
Anti-Christian Graffiti Found Outside Vienna Church
September 1, 2025, AustriaSmearings labeled with a derogatory term appeared on church property in Vienna.
Climate Activists Deface the Sagrada Familia
August 31, 2025, SpainEnvironmental activists defaced Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família with red powder, marking the seventh reported attack on Catholic churches in Spain this August.
Dordogne Village Church Forced to Close After Vandalism and Theft
August 31, 2025, FranceThe Church of Saint-Martin was forced to close for one day after acts of theft and vandalism. The doors were forced open, the donation trunk was broken into, furniture was damaged, candles were deliberately scattered and burned on the floor, leaving marks and creating a potential fire hazard, and graffiti was found inside the church.
Religious statue beheaded in Cathedral
August 31, 2025, GermanyIn the Trier Cathedral, a renaissance apostle statue was beheaded and its head stolen. The incident prompting an investigation and concern over preservation of religious heritage.
Rocks Thrown at Bridgwater Baptist Church During Service
August 31, 2025, United KingdomDuring Sunday Worship at the Bridgwater Baptist Church, rocks thrown through church window. One person got hit by the falling glass and the congregation reported feeling unsafe.
Church in Germany Vandalised Twice in 24 Hours.
August 30, 2025, GermanyUnidentified vandals flooded the basement and defaced the entrance of Martini Church in Siegen on two consecutive nights, prompting a police investigation.
22 Consecrated Host Thefts and Church Desecrations in Landes
August 28, 2025, FranceBetween May and August 2025, over twenty churches in the Landes region were desecrated by the theft of consecrated Hosts and sacred vessels, prompting a formal investigation by the Dax prosecutor’s office. The deliberate and selective targeting of the Eucharist constitutes a serious act of desecration in the Catholic context and indicates elements beyond financial motivation.
Statue of Mary and Jesus Desecrated by Nazi Symbols
August 28, 2025, FranceA statue of the Virgin and Child was desecrated with swastikas and Hitler-like features—sparking outrage and calls for accountability in a community shaken by the attack.
Statue of Mary Burned inside Bobbio Church
August 28, 2025, ItalyA statue of the Mary was deliberately damaged with fire in the church of Santa Maria di Bobbio, prompting outrage and concern over escalating acts of sacrilege in the region.