All cases
Two Churches in Mittweida Vandalised: Organ Damaged and Water Flooding Caused
June 1, 2026, GermanyTwo churches in Mittweida were targeted in a series of vandalism incidents that caused water damage, defaced church property and impaired the functioning of the church organs. Police have launched an investigation and are seeking witnesses.
Arson Attack and Theft at Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel
May 30, 2026, ItalyAn arson attack targeted the Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel after intruders allegedly set fire to the church's main wooden entrance to gain access. Once inside, they vandalised the sanctuary and stole the crown and sword from the statue of St Michael.
Arson Attack at Marbach Church After Bench Set on Fire
May 28, 2026, GermanyAn arson attack targeted the Church of the Holy Family in Marbach after unknown individuals allegedly set fire to the upholstery of a church bench.
Priest Held Captive During Robbery at Church and Parish House in Portugal
May 27, 2026, PortugalA priest was held captive for around 90 minutes after three assailants broke into a church and parish house in Cantanhede, Portugal. The attackers threatened the priest, demanded money and valuables, and stole a laptop before fleeing.
Rome church vandalised: damaged Marian image and altar smeared
May 27, 2026, ItalyFour intruders desecrated the parish of San Paolo della Croce in Rome’s Corviale district, spilling holy oil, smearing the altar cloth with marker pen, leaving faeces inside the church bathroom and damaging a sacred image of the Madonna before fleeing when confronted by an assistant priest.
ECtHR Condemns Türkiye for Removing Greek Orthodox Priests from Minority Foundations
May 26, 2026, FranceThe European Court of Human Rights ruled that Türkiye violated the rights of two Greek Orthodox priests who had been removed from the governing boards of minority foundations in Istanbul solely because they were members of the clergy. The Court found that the authorities lacked a legal basis for excluding the priests from the management of institutions belonging to the Greek Orthodox community, violating their freedom of association interpreted in light of freedom of religion. The judgment represents an important affirmation of the right of religious minorities to govern their own institutions without undue state interference.
Two Catholic fraternity students seriously injured in attack in Innsbruck
May 25, 2026, AustriaTwo members of the Catholic student fraternity Rudolfina Wien were assaulted, robbed and seriously injured during an attack in Innsbruck in which the perpetrators allegedly shouted “Antifa”. The Austrian Cartell Association (ÖCV) condemned the incident as part of a broader pattern of hostility and violence targeting Catholic and conservative student associations.
Church Ransacked Near Agen in Pentecost Vandalism
May 25, 2026, FranceThe Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens in Pont-du-Casse, near Agen, was left ransacked after statues, religious objects and furniture were damaged or thrown to the ground during a Pentecost Day vandalism. Authorities later identified four minors linked to the vandalism, while local officials and the Diocese moved quickly to organise repairs and a Mass of reparation.
Vandalism at Drogheda church after recent arson attack at Tinure church
May 25, 2026, IrelandMass-goers at St Augustine’s Church in Drogheda were shocked after discovering smashed planters and uprooted trees outside the church entrance, days after a deliberate fire inside Tinure church in County Louth.
Vandals deface church in Legnano with obscene graffiti and blasphemies
May 23, 2026, ItalyThe historic Church of San Bernardino in Legnano was vandalised overnight with obscene graffiti and blasphemies prompting condemnation from local Catholic and civic leaders who described the attack as a serious assault on a place deeply tied to the city’s religious and cultural identity.
Suspected arson damages St. Johannes Church in Munich
May 23, 2026, GermanyAuthorities in Munich are investigating a suspected deliberate arson attack after a fire broke out inside the Lutheran Church of St. Johannes in the Haidhausen district.
Desecration and attempted arson at chapel in Krosno
May 22, 2026, PolandA 45-year-old man was detained after allegedly desecrating the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and attempting to set fire to a chapel in the Polanka district of Krosno. The attack damaged the Marian icon, including the eyes of the Virgin Mary and the face of Jesus, while additional destruction was reported inside the chapel.
Court Drops Conviction Under Northern Ireland Abortion "Buffer Zone" Law
May 21, 2026, IrelandClaire Brennan, the first person convicted under Northern Ireland’s abortion “safe access zone” legislation for praying and speaking with and offering support to a woman, has had her conviction quashed after the prosecution case collapsed in court.
Crucifix and Sacred Statues Destroyed in Vandal Raid at Sant’Angelo Magno Church
May 19, 2026, ItalyThe historic Church of Sant’Angelo Magno in Ascoli Piceno has suffered severe vandalism after intruders broke in during the night of 19–20 May. A crucifix, sacred statues, and a 17th-century organ were destroyed.
Repeated Desecration of Serbian Orthodox Church of St. George in Tuzla
May 19, 2026, Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Great Martyr George in Tuzla has been vandalised once again, with forced entry and objects inside the church scattered.
Church in Òdena Bricked Up After Vandalism and Burnt Bible Page
May 19, 2026, SpainA group of youths broke into the Church of the Verge de la Pau in Òdena, vandalising the interior, damaging the altar, burning a page of the Bible and stealing sound equipment and metal objects. Following the attack, authorities decided to brick up the church.
Steel and Plastic Balls Fired at Church During Service
May 17, 2026, GermanyDuring a Catholic service at the Holy Spirit Church in Hanau, unknown persons fired steel and plastic balls at the building, shattering several windows while around 200 worshippers were inside. One person stated that they had been hit by glass splinters.
Crucifix Broken and Figure of Christ Stolen from Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
May 16, 2026, FranceAn unknown perpetrator entered the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris and broke a cross displayed inside the church before leaving with a silver figurine of Christ.
Police drop criminal investigation into street preacher
May 16, 2026, United KingdomAvon and Somerset Police have concluded a criminal investigation into Pastor Dia Moodley, a street preacher arrested in Bristol in November 2025, confirming that no further action will be taken. The decision effectively closes the case, determining that the activity of public street preaching, including comments made about Islam and transgender ideology, did not constitute a criminal offence in this instance. His lawyer and Christian representatives have raised concerns over a pattern of disproportionate police response to his religious expression.
Church of Knittelsheim Burgled and Desecrated, Consecrated Hosts Scattered Across Altar
May 14, 2026, GermanyA burglary at the Catholic Church of St. George in Knittelsheim left the building severely damaged, with sacred objects stolen and consecrated hosts scattered during the break-in. Authorities have confirmed extensive vandalism and ongoing investigation.