All cases

Vandalised church in Bodenwöhr

November 19, 2024, Germany

On the weekend of 18-19 November, the Church of St Mary (Marienkirche Blechhammer) in Bodenwöhr was robbed and vandalised by unknown persons. The rosaries on display were stolen or thrown into the holy water basin and the altar candles were thrown to the ground. Various other items were scattered around the church. The police are investigating.

Spanish Court Condemns male-only religious brotherhood for refusing woman

November 19, 2024, Spain

Spain’s Constitutional Court has ruled against a male-only religious brotherhood for refusing to admit a woman, declaring that the association’s internal statutes violate the Spanish Constitution. While framed as a non-discrimination decision, the judgment raises broader concerns about state intervention in the internal affairs of religious associations—particularly regarding their right to determine membership criteria in accordance with their beliefs and traditions.

Fire set in Walldorf Church

November 15, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons threw several burning strips of paper into the basement of the Walldorf church.

French TV channel fined for presenting abortion as cause of death

November 13, 2024, France

On 13th November the French Communications Authority (Arcom) fined a television channel €100,000 for presenting abortion as the "first cause of death" during a Catholic programme.

Terrorist arrested for planning attack on Cathedral

November 11, 2024, Russia

In July 2024, security forces prevented a planned terrorist attack on the Holy Dormition Cathedral, an Orthodox church in Maikop, Republic of Adygea. The suspect, an 18-year-old supporter of the Islamic State (IS), was arrested before he could carry out the attack. On 11 November, the Maikop City Court extended his pre-trial detention until 11 January 2025.

Statue of Mary destroyed

November 10, 2024, Italy

A statue of Mary outside the local cemetery in Pievesestina, Cesena, has been smashed to pieces.

Pepper spray attack during mass in Prato

November 10, 2024, Italy

Unknown people entered the church of Santa Maria al Soccorso during Sunday mass and sprayed a pungent substance with pepper spray. The parish priest had to interrupt the service and finish celebrating mass outside. The perpetrators have fled.

Priest dies after being physically attacked by robber

November 9, 2024, Poland

A Catholic priest in Poland succumbed to serious injuries in the hospital on November 9 - six days after the physical attack in his parish of St. Albert by the 27-year-old man from Szczytno. The male suspect in this case is in custody, charged with attempted murder. The clergyman was attacked for the purpose of a robbery.

Monk Dies After Attack on a Monastery

November 9, 2024, Spain

A 76-year-old friar died of a head injury and six others were injured when beaten with sticks and bottles by a 46-year-old man who jumped over the fence of the Catholic monastery in Gilet, shouting anti-Christian threats and insults. Three victims, aged 57, 66, and 95, were hospitalised with trauma and bruising.

Church forced to close after vandalism with fire extinguisher

November 9, 2024, France

The church of Saint-Léger has been closed since unknown persons emptied a fire extinguisher inside the building, causing serious damage to the furniture. Following this act, which took place on 9 November, the local mayor immediately expressed his desire to have the church cleaned as soon as possible so that the parishioners could celebrate Christmas in this sacred building.

Pilgrims in Navarre Faced Assault and Anti-Christian Insults

November 9, 2024, Spain

Latin American pilgrims participating in the Javierada in Navarre faced verbal and physical aggression from nationalist youths, prompting calls for official protection and accountability.

Altar tablecloth set on fire in Schweinfurt church

November 8, 2024, Germany

On November 8, a Tablecloth in the evangelical Church "Am Glockenhof" was set on fire in the afternoon. The fire burned the tablecloth and the diary on it. The damage caused is approximately 80 euros.

Fires set in Küssaberg church

November 8, 2024, Germany

On 8 November, an unknown perpetrator has set several small fires in a church in Küssaberg (Waldshut district). Witnesses discovered the flames and alerted the emergency services.

Two other churches desecrated

November 8, 2024, France

The churches of Truyes and Lignières-de-Touraine were desecrated and consecrated hosts were stolen. Four other churches in the diocese of Tours suffered identical events in the same week.

Ban on funeral processions in Manduria

November 8, 2024, Italy

The mayor of Manduria, Gregorio Pecoraro, has approved an ordinance banning walking funeral processions. A local councillor is challenging the ban, saying it restricts religious freedom.

Figure of Jesus broken into pieces: Cross in Tarnow Vandalised

November 7, 2024, Poland

On the night of November 7, vandals broke a statue of Christ on the missionary cross in front of the church in Tarnow-Klikowa, into small pieces. Also, the statue's head was stolen. The parish priest and the faithful are convinced that it was a deliberate act of desecration.

Nun physically attacked in church

November 4, 2024, Italy

A nun was brutally attacked near Largo di Torre Argentina in Rome on 4 November. The nun was violently punched and slapped in the face after trying to push away the attacker, who had approached the tabernacle in a suspicious manner.

Objects and prayer cards set on fire in church

November 4, 2024, Germany

Unknown persons have set fire to and damaged objects and prayer cards in a church in Kaufbeuren.

Fire set to Mannheim Church

November 3, 2024, Germany

On 3 November, an unknown person set fire to objects inside the Twelve Apostles Church in Mannheim, spreading to the carpet and a wooden table. The fire was extinguished before it spread further into the church building.

Tabernacle forced, hosts stolen

November 2, 2024, France

On the night of 2 November, the church of Saint Ame in Herlies was desecrated. The tabernacle was forced open and hosts were stolen. A mass of reparation was held.