All cases

Sacred Items Stolen from Church in Fécamp

June 1, 2022, France

During the night of June 1st, thieves forced open the door of the abbey church of Sainte-Trinité in Fécamp, and stole a sacred item kept in the sacristy. They took two vials containing "Precious Blood" which is believed to be from Jesus when he was crucified. Bishop of Le Havre, Mgr Jean-Luc Brunin, lamented: "This theft is an unbearable attack on the faith of all people who remember the Salvation obtained by the sacrifice of Christ."

Vandals Ransacked Church interior in Meda

May 30, 2022, Italy

Unknown vandals entered the Santo Crocifisso Church in Meda and ransacked the inside on May 30th. They overturned chairs, sprayed disinfectant everywhere, and threw that brass altar cross onto the floor which bent it, causing damage. The local police started an investigation into the crime using video from surveillance cameras.

Extensive Vandalism and Desecration to a Schömberg Church

May 29, 2022, Germany

The Catholic Church of St. Joseph in Schömberg experienced an extensive vandalistic attack on May 29th. Paper towels were strewn all over the floor and one was used to snuff out the eternal light. The altar cloth was left soiled and crumpled, and evidence suggested that the altar was walked on. The unknown intruder had also urinated in the baptismal font. Those who take care of the church were shocked by the incident.

Attempted Arson at Church Choir in Paris

May 28, 2022, France

On the 28 of May, an individual tried to set fire to the choir of the church of Sainte Odile in the 17th district of Paris. The mayor of the district, Geoffroy Boulard, posted on Twitter: "I condemn the desecration of the church of St. Odilia with a fire in the choir. The worst avoided thanks to the reaction of the parish staff and the police who quickly arrested the individual. I renew my support to Father Biaggi whom I spoke to on the phone."

Extreme Vandalism and Property Damage to Church in Barrhead

May 27, 2022, United Kingdom

In a series of break-ins at the former South and Levern Church, more than £50,000 of damage was caused by unknown vandals. In the latest act of vandalism on the 27th of May, the organ was destroyed and radiators were torn off the walls. Although the church has been closed, it is still a sight that carries religious sentiment for many people.

Statue of Madonna Taken from Chapel in Maccarese

May 26, 2022, Italy

On May 26th, a statue of Madonna was stolen from the Blessed Virgin Mary chapel in Maccarese. The statue is not of great material value, but its spiritual value to the religious community is immense. The Diocese condemned the gesture "In reparation for the offense to the Mother of God and in prayer for the conversion of the hearts of the perpetrators of the crime."

Electric Scooter Entered Basilica During Mass

May 26, 2022, Spain

David Moreno, a spokesman for VOX Talavera, requested that the driver of the electric scooter, which entered the Basilica of Our Lady of the Prado in Talavera, be identified and charged. He explained that the "offensive acts like this cannot be allowed," and that the driver should be charged with crimes against religious freedom and disrespect of religious sentiment. He said: "no prank justifies disrespect for a Catholic temple, attacking religious sentiments."

Small Chapel Destroyed in Marghera, Venice

May 26, 2022, Italy

The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, posted a picture on his Twitter on the 26. May that showed an oratory that had been vandalized in Marghera. The oratory was in Piazzale Giovannacci on the corner with Via Ulloa in Marghera. He also indicated that the perpetrator had been identified by the local Police.

Perpetrators Steal Organ Key, Try to Open Sacrificial Box and Soil Statue in Church

May 25, 2022, Germany

Between the 21st and 25th of May, unknown intruders broke into the sacristy of the St. Jakobus Church in Sögel. They stole the organ key and hygrometer, but were unsuccessful in an attempt to break open the sacrificial box. The property damage was around 100 euros, and they also soiled a statue. An investigation was started by the police who needed more information.

Saint Statues Decapitated and Damaged in Marseille Church

May 25, 2022, France

A judicial inquiry was opened into an incident on the 25th of May in which four Statues in the Saint-Henri church in Marseille were damaged, two of the statues were decapitated. Father Gabriel Priou, said, “There was no Eucharistic profanation, but the statues have been defaced." He continued, “A fact like this impacts the Christian community because the church is its home.”