All cases
Suspected Arson at Neunkirchen Church
January 2, 2026, GermanyOn the morning of 2 January 2026, a fire broke out at the Protestant Christuskirche in the centre of Neunkirchen, Saarland. Due to the significant amount of smoke caused by the fire, it took the fire brigade several hours to ventilate the building.
Jeanne d’Arc Statue Vandalised in Paris
January 2, 2026, FranceIn Paris on 2 January, the statue of Jeanne d’Arc on the Place Saint‑Augustin, located in front of the Église Saint‑Augustin, was vandalised in full daylight. An individual climbed the monument and forcibly removed the blade of the saint’s sword in the presence of passers‑by.
Holy Family Statuettes Stolen from Montoro Church
January 1, 2026, ItalyThe Holy Family statuettes were stolen from a Nativity scene at a church in Montoro.
Nativity Scene Burned in Algarrobo Vandalism
December 31, 2025, SpainOn New Year’s Eve in Algarrobo, vandals targeted public festive displays, burning Christian‑themed Christmas decorations, including a nativity scene in Plaza de España.
Vienna Church Repeatedly Targeted by Graffiti Vandalism
December 30, 2025, AustriaSt. Johann Evangelist Church in Vienna was defaced with graffiti on December 30, 2025, including Arabic writing and an Antifa symbol. Police launched an investigation amid political condemnation and reports of repeated targeting of the site.
Nativity Scene Stolen from Brandara Parish Church
December 30, 2025, PortugalThe nativity scene at the Parish Church of Brandara, in Ponte de Lima, was stolen during the night from Monday into Tuesday.
Cuenca Church Vandalised After Restoration
December 30, 2025, SpainVandals targeted the recently restored Church of La Virgen de la Luz in Cuenca, Spain, defacing its walls with graffiti and damaging the historic site.
Theft of Jesus Figurine from Nativity Scene in Sopot
December 29, 2025, PolandPolice released surveillance footage after a figurine depicting Jesus was stolen from a public nativity scene in front of the Church of St George in Sopot on the night of 29 December.
Gunfire and Explosive Device Damaged Church Entrance
December 28, 2025, ItalyUnknown individuals fired gunshots and detonated an explosive device at the secondary entrance of the San Filippo Neri church in Palermo’s Zen neighborhood.
Consecrated Hosts Stolen from a Spanish Church
December 28, 2025, SpainThe tabernacle of a church in Valladolid was forced and consecrated Hosts were stolen. This was the second such incident in the diocese this year, and Archbishop Luis Argüello has announced a public act of reparation.
Arson Damages Crypt of Lourdes Parish Church
December 26, 2025, FranceFirefighters in Lourdes contained a crypt fire at the Sacré‑Cœur parish church after smoke was seen escaping the building, with investigators reporting debris used as ignition material and clear signs of unauthorised entry.
Arson Attempt Inside German Church on Christmas
December 25, 2025, GermanyUnknown individuals ignited torn pages from prayer books on the church gallery in St. Maria, Haßlach, causing scorch marks and wax damage to the pews below. Thankfully, the fire did not spread, but the church suffered property damage.
Statue of Baby Jesus Smashed on Christmas Eve
December 24, 2025, United KingdomOn Christmas Eve vandals smashed a statue of the Infant Jesus and relics in the Lady Chapel desecrated at St. Patrick’s Church in Edinburgh. There was blood left in multiple areas of the sanctuary, and the figure was thrown into a bin during a confrontation between two distressed visitors.
Firecrackers Thrown at Church Nativity Scene
December 24, 2025, ItalyA passing vehicle launched firecrackers at the San Carlo parish nativity in Sezze, damaging the Christian display minutes before midnight Mass.
Masked Intruder Disrupted Christmas Vespers in Cologne Cathedral
December 24, 2025, GermanyA masked man in a black cloak, gold mask, and plush ears disrupted the Christmas Vespers and approached the front of Cologne Cathedral before being escorted out by church security.
Parish Reports Repeated Vandalism in Local Churches
December 24, 2025, ItalyOn 24 December 2025, the parish priest of the church of the Sacro Cuore publicly reported repeated acts of vandalism, including repeated property damage and anti-Christian graffiti, affecting churches in Sant’Egidio.
Paint Attack On Christian Pregnancy Counseling Centre
December 24, 2025, GermanyThe KALEB Family Centre fell victim to politically charged graffiti and paint attacks on Christmas Eve.
Church Nativity Scene Targeted with Theft and Desecration
December 22, 2025, GermanyIn Kahla in the Saale-Holzland district, unknown individuals stole and damaged parts of a Christmas nativity scene displayed outside the Catholic church of St Nikolaus in December 2025.
Christ Child Figure Found Hanging by the Neck
December 21, 2025, PolandOn 21 December, a figure of the Christ Child was found hanging by the neck in a nativity scene in the market square of Bolesławiec. Surveillance footage showed hooded individuals entering the scene and tying the doll to a rope in the manner of a gallows.
Vienna Church Defaced with Arabic and Syrian Nationalist Graffiti
December 21, 2025, AustriaA church in Vienna was repeatedly defaced with Arabic slogans and Syrian nationalist clan codes in December 2025, prompting a police investigation.