All cases
Another attack on a church in the Sardinia region
January 23, 2025, ItalyOn the night of 23 January, unknown assailants vandalised the church of San Francesco in Oristano. The Christian community in Sardinia has suffered numerous attacks on religious sites in recent weeks. The police are now investigating all the incidents.
Sacrilegious theft in Sarajevo
January 21, 2025, Bosnia and HerzegovinaOn 21 January, unknown assailants broke into the convent church of the Sisters of Charity of St Vinka in the centre of Sarajevo and stole the vessel monstrance the large consecrated host, scattering the other smaller ones in the sanctuary. Several other items were also stolen.
Facade of convent vandalised with pro-abortion tags
January 20, 2025, FranceOn 20 January, the façade of the Grande Bretèche convent, home to the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, was vandalised with pro-abortion inscriptions in a repeat of a similar attack last year. This is the second year in a row that the convent has been vandalised after hosting a pro-life event.
Vandalism of church doors in Prato
January 18, 2025, ItalyUnknown vandals have caused serious damage to both the main and side doors of the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato. The incident, described by the local bishop as a "serious and senseless gesture", is being investigated by the police.
Sacrilegious Theft in Czarna Parish
January 18, 2025, PolandUnknown perpetrators broke into the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Czarna and stole several liturgical objects, including a chalice and a container for hosts. The incident caused shock among parish clergy and local residents.
Islamist Bomb threats to church in Palencia
January 18, 2025, SpainTwo Islamist bomb threats against a church via a Telegram group caused great concern and prompted the immediate deployment of security forces in the city of Palencia.
Religious Statue Forcibly Removed and Stolen
January 17, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators stole a statue of St Martin from a monument in front of the monastery church in Aldekerk, Germany. The incident caused significant shock among local residents.
Bible Stolen from Church
January 17, 2025, ItalyUnknown perpetrators stole a Bible from the ambo of the Church of Sant’Anna in Cagliari, Italy. The parish reported the incident with concern, noting that the church had repeatedly been targeted by disruptive behaviour and theft.
Swiss Federal Court Bans Subsidies for Catholic Girls' school
January 17, 2025, SwitzerlandThe Federal Court sitting in Lausanne has withdrawn from the Catholic girls' school Saint Katharina of Wil (Canton of Saint-Gall) the possibility of receiving public funds, considering that being Catholic and reserved for girls, it practices "discrimination".
Vandalism at St Matthew's Cemetery in Cainscross
January 16, 2025, United KingdomVandalism at the churchyard of St Matthew’s Church in Cainscross has caused distress among families. The incident affected a space of religious significance for the local community.
School counsellor sacked for promoting Christian views on marriage
January 16, 2025, United KingdomGozen Soydag, who was sacked from a Catholic school in February 2023 for publicly promoting traditional Christian beliefs on marriage, has received news that the court has rejected all her claims. Ms Soydag will appeal the decision as she feels she is being discriminated against because of her faith.
"Low-status" prisoners in Belarus banned from religious practice
January 16, 2025, BelarusIn a growing assault on religious freedom, several prisoners in Belarus are being denied any contact with religious services or members of the clergy because they are considered 'low status'. The ban even prevents them from possessing religious literature or devotional objects.
Several graves vandalised in Coron
January 16, 2025, FranceDuring the night of 15 to 16 January, several graves in the cemetery of Coron (Maine-et-Loire) were vandalised by unknown persons. The plaques were broken and the marble slab on top of one grave was smashed.
41 tombstones on church cemetery smeared with Nazis symbols
January 15, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators vandalised a cemetery in Berlin-Heiligensee, Germany, damaging numerous gravestones and other property with extremist symbols. The incident is being investigated by police.
Figure of Jesus vandalised and thrown in the garbage
January 15, 2025, PolandOn the night of 14-15 January, unknown offenders committed an act of vandalism in the cemetery of the Parish of the Nativity of St John the Baptist in Tychy-Cielmice, Poland. The oak cross was destroyed with an axe, and the figure of Jesus was removed from the cross, smashed and thrown into a rubbish bin. The police are now investigating.
UPDATE: £7,500 PROSECUTION COSTS FOR HOLDING BIBLE VERSE SIGN
January 15, 2025, United KingdomOn 15 January 2025, the Crown Court rejected Stephen Green's appeals and confirmed his guilty verdict. The Christian preacher will now have to pay more than £7,500 in fines and prosecution costs for silently holding a Bible verse.
Occult vandalism at Lyndhurst church
January 15, 2025, United KingdomOn 15 January, a severed deer head was found on the porch of St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyndhurst. A similar incident occurred at the same church four years ago.
Teacher Sacked for Christian Beliefs Appeals Tribunal Decision
January 14, 2025, United KingdomBen Dybowski, a teaching assistant in Wales, was sacked after expressing his Christian views during a school seminar on diversity. Although the Education Workforce Council found no wrongdoing, an employment tribunal rejected his claim of harassment. He is now appealing the decision, raising concerns about the treatment of Christian teachers in Europe.
Religious Autonomy at Risk: Spain Investigates Dioceses under Trans Equality Law
January 14, 2025, SpainThe Spanish Ministry of Equality launched an investigation against seven Catholic dioceses over alleged breaches of the 2023 Trans Equality Law, following a complaint by the Spanish Association Against Conversion Therapies. As the law contains very vague wording—criminalising any “method (...) aimed at modifying the sexual orientation or gender identity” of an individual, even with their consent—it could potentially criminalise Catholic teaching and pastoral care around issues of sexual morality. Sanctions under the law include fines of up to €150,000 and exclusion from public funding.
Nativity scene in Bernay church defaced with atheist inscription
January 13, 2025, FranceDuring the Christmas holidays, unknown vandals defaced a crib in the church of Sainte-Croix in Bernay with an atheist inscription. The parish has already reacted and called for a spirit of dialogue.
Suspected arson attack on church in Borgholm
January 13, 2025, SwedenA fire inside a church in Borgholm is being investigated as a suspected arson attempt after smoke developed from an object inside the building. Authorities found no natural cause for the incident.
Second attack on Rennes Basilica within days
January 13, 2025, FranceFollowing the destruction of a statue of the Virgin Mary a few days ago, unknown perpetrators have again vandalised the Saint-Aubin Basilica in Rennes. This time, a statue of the baby Jesus was found decapitated. The city of Rennes is facing a serious wave of hate crimes against Christians.
Nativity scene destroyed in Persico Dosimo
January 12, 2025, ItalyOn the night of 11 January, unknown perpetrators seriously damaged a nativity scene in the churchyard of the Dosimo parish church. Several figures were smashed to pieces, a gesture that caused great indignation among the local population.
Church vandalised and statue destroyed in Rennes Basilica
January 12, 2025, FranceUnknown perpetrators have destroyed a statue of Mary in the Saint-Aubin Basilica in Rennes. Attacks on religious symbols are a growing concern in the region.
Christ Figure Repeatedly Destroyed At Memorial Chapel in Peißenberg
January 10, 2025, GermanyThe Christ figure on a field cross near the miners’ memorial chapel on the Neue Bergehalde in Peißenberg was deliberately damaged twice, with both arms broken off. The repeated targeting of the depiction of Christ has raised concern among local community members.
Sacred Objects Targeted in Catholic Church in Schleiden-Gemünd
January 10, 2025, GermanyUnknown perpetrators robbed and vandalised a Catholic church in Schleiden-Gemünd, deliberately targeting religious objects, including a gilded cross and a baptismal font. Water was removed from the font and poured onto the floor.
Repeated vandalism of Salò nativity scene
January 9, 2025, ItalyUnknown persons have vandalised the nativity scene set up by the fire brigade for the local community. The vandals not only damaged the nativity scene, but also urinated on the scene and set off a firecracker in the middle of the hay.
Two arson attacks on Valledoria church in 4 days
January 8, 2025, ItalyThe Church of Christ the King in Valledoria has been attacked twice in a very short period of time. The first arson attack took place during the celebration of mass on 5 January, and the second only a few days later, on 8 January.
Unknown perpetrators vandalise religious figures
January 7, 2025, GermanyOn the afternoon of 7 January, unknown perpetrators broke into the church of St. Francis Hochdahl in Erkhart. A leg of a religious figure, one of the Three Magi, disappeared and the burglars knocked over several other figures. Police are now investigating and looking for suspects.
Priest receives letter threatening parishioners
January 6, 2025, ItalyIn early January, the priest of the San Giovanni Battista parish in Siniscola received a letter containing threats against two of his parishioners. The case is now being investigated by the police.
Debate over refusal of communion and religious autonomy rights
January 6, 2025, SpainRubén García de Andrés, mayor of Torrecaballeros, was denied communion by a local priest because of his homosexuality, which he denounced as homophobic. His political party is demanding an apology and threatening legal action. The Diocese of Segovia defended the priest, citing Canon 915, which allows for the denial of communion on moral grounds, and denied any accusations of homophobia. The case raised concerns about the involvement of secular groups in church affairs, which is seen as a potential threat to religious freedom.
Statue of the Virgin Mary destroyed in streets of Chociwel
January 6, 2025, PolandOn the night of January 5 to 6, a statue of the Virgin Mary was destroyed at the intersection of a public street in Chociwel, Poland. The vandalism was reported to the police and the parish announced that a new statue would be erected.
Relics stolen from church
January 5, 2025, GermanyAs reported on 1 January, unknown perpetrators stole religious relics and a nativity figure from a church in Brendlorenzen, Germany. The incident caused shock among parishioners and local clergy.
Church targeted in sacrilegious theft
January 5, 2025, ItalyUnknown perpetrators have broken into the tabernacle and stolen the vessel containing the consecrated hosts from the Catholic Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Trento.
Fire set to nativity scene in Ingolstadt
January 5, 2025, GermanyA nativity scene was burned and vandalised in the Catholic church of St Pius in Ingolstadt. The parish priest reported that "the stable was thrown over down and one figure was completely burnt".
Grave Crosses and Christ Figures Targeted in Repeated Cemetery Vandalism in Appenzell
January 5, 2025, SwitzerlandGrave crosses and depictions of Christ were again deliberately damaged at a cemetery in Appenzell, marking a repeated pattern of vandalism targeting Christian symbols. The incidents have raised concern due to the specific destruction of crosses and religious figures.
Theft and Vandalism of Nativity Scene at Mother Church in Augusta
January 5, 2025, ItalyA case of theft and vandalism was reported inside the Mother Church in Augusta, involving damage to a traditional nativity scene.
Desecration and Theft at Church in Sola
January 4, 2025, ItalyUnknown perpetrators broke into the Church of San Lorenzo Martire in Sola, stealing the tabernacle containing consecrated hosts and later scattering them outside the church. As the hosts are of central religious significance in Catholic belief, the act constitutes desecration and has caused particular distress within the local parish community.
Figure of the Infant Jesus stolen from nativity scene in Aprilia
January 4, 2025, ItalyOn 4 January, a figure of the Infant Jesus disappeared from the nativity scene set up by the Agroverde Neighbourhood Committee in a public park. "A gesture that deeply offends the sense of community and the faith of many people," said the committee and further stated: "It is an act of vandalism that demonstrates a total lack of respect for the traditions, symbols and religious feelings of many people."
San Filippo Neri Church Repeatedly Attacked with Gunfire and Explosives
January 3, 2025, ItalyIn Palermo’s Zen district the parish church of San Filippo Neri was repeatedly targeted in a series of violent attacks at the end of December and in the early days of January, with explosions and gunfire directed at the building’s entrances and interior.
Suspected arson attack at church in Skórzewo near Poznań
January 2, 2025, PolandOn 2 January 2025, a fire broke out in a church in Skórzewo near Poznań, Poland, with the parish indicating that it may have been caused by arson. A witness reported seeing a person where the fire started, but the suspect escaped.
Nativity Scene Repeatedly Attacked: Infant Jesus Decapitated
January 2, 2025, ItalyAs reported in January 2025, a nativity scene in Empoli was vandalised for the fourth time in recent years. Unknown perpetrators decapitated a statue of the infant Jesus, prompting strong reactions from the local community.
Nativity scene in front of Roncoferraro church vandalised
December 31, 2024, ItalyOn the night of New Year's Eve, unknown people destroyed the nativity scene on the square of the Roncoferraro church. The vandals tore to pieces almost all of the particular figures depicting the nativity and scattered the fragments in the surrounding garden. This is not the first time that similar episodes have occurred.
Police prevents terrorist attack on Elche Basilica
December 31, 2024, SpainSpanish police have foiled a terrorist attack just before Christmas. Four suspects aged between 14 and 17 were arrested on 19 December during a raid in the city of Elche. The group is accused of planning an Islamist terrorist attack on a Christian church.
Sanctuary vandalised with fireworks in Ribordone
December 31, 2024, ItalyOn New Year's Eve, unknown vandals caused extensive damage to the exterior walls of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto in Ribordone. Locals are calling for more security measures as this isolated church is frequently vandalised.
Church closed due to vandalism
December 30, 2024, GermanyThe town church in Lauterbach is closed to visitors due to vandalism. Two unidentified youths smashed two stained glass windows with lead frames. Several items have been stolen in recent incidents, including a Bible and an Easter candle.
Figures stolen and replace with caricatures
December 30, 2024, PolandIn the Strzelce district, an unknown person has stolen statues of saints from two roadside shrines and replaced them with strange caricatures. Police are investigating.
Two nativity scenes vandalised in Ostiano
December 30, 2024, ItalyDuring the night of 30 to 31 December, someone destroyed two nativity scenes in the town centre of Ostiano and in the churchyard. The statues of the infant Jesus, the sheep and Mary were overturned and the statue of Saint Joseph was destroyed.
Three suspects arrested after shooting at Istanbul church association
December 30, 2024, TurkeyThree suspects have been arrested following a shooting at the Association of Salvation Churches in Istanbul. On 30 December, three gunmen arriving in a commercial vehicle opened fire at the association's building in the Cekmekoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Image of Infant Jesus destroyed in Valencia
December 30, 2024, SpainThe Nativity Scene of Cullera, in the Valencian Community, has been vandalised with the destruction of an image of the Infant Jesus.