All cases
Repeated Vandalism Reported at Historic Church in Cuevas del Almanzora
May 22, 2025, SpainA 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.
Catholic School in Terrassa Investigated for Being "Ultra-Catholic"
May 22, 2025, SpainOn 22 May 2025, the Catalan Parliament approved a motion condemning what it called “reactionary ultra-Catholic groups” in schools and urging the Government to withdraw public funding from schools found to violate fundamental rights or spread “hate speech”. The debate referred to Mare de Déu del Carme, a Catholic school in Terrassa whose religious teaching had drawn complaints from some families. The school rejected allegations of “indoctrination” and reaffirmed its Catholic identity and educational mission, but education authorities subsequently placed its curriculum and other practices under extended supervision.
Church in Vignola Defaced with Violent Political Graffiti
May 21, 2025, ItalyA 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, NetherlandsThe 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.
Spanish Government Reports Catholic Bishop to Prosecutors over Homily on Disability
May 20, 2025, SpainOn 20 May 2025, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights reported Bishop Emeritus Juan Antonio Reig Pla to prosecutors over remarks about disability made during a homily nine days earlier, in which he talked about the dignity of persons with disability and tracing the origins of illness and disability to fallen nature. The bishop had apologised to a disability organisation and explained that he was referring to Catholic teaching on original sin and human suffering. The Ministry nevertheless asked prosecutors to consider whether his words constituted a criminal offence.
Church in Cagliari Defaced with Political and Anarchist Graffiti
May 19, 2025, ItalyA 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, GermanyIn 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, GermanyA 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, GermanyIn 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, ItalyA 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, SwedenIn 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, FranceA 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, ItalyA 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, AustriaA 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, 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.
San Francisco Parish Wall Vandalized In Response to Church Festivities
May 13, 2025, SpainGraffiti 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, 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.