All cases

Filtered by: Vandalism (form of hate crime)

Two Churches in Mittweida Vandalised: Organ Damaged and Water Flooding Caused

June 1, 2026, Germany

Two 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.

Leipzig café run by free church closes after 26 “left-wing extremist” attacks

May 31, 2026, Germany

A Christian-run café in Leipzig has announced its closure after reporting 26 attacks over two and a half years, including vandalism, graffiti and a butyric acid incident. The operators attribute the incidents to “left-wing extremist” perpetrators and cite repeated damage and financial losses as the reason for closing.

Arson Attack and Theft at Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel

May 30, 2026, Italy

An 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, Germany

An arson attack targeted the Church of the Holy Family in Marbach after unknown individuals allegedly set fire to the upholstery of a church bench.

Rome church vandalised: damaged Marian image and altar smeared

May 27, 2026, Italy

Four 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.

Church Ransacked Near Agen in Pentecost Vandalism

May 25, 2026, France

The 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, Ireland

Mass-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, Italy

The 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, Germany

Authorities 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, Poland

A 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.

Crucifix and Sacred Statues Destroyed in Vandal Raid at Sant’Angelo Magno Church

May 19, 2026, Italy

The 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 Herzegovina

The 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, Spain

A 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, Germany

During 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, France

An 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.

Church of Knittelsheim Burgled and Desecrated, Consecrated Hosts Scattered Across Altar

May 14, 2026, Germany

A 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.

Arson attack at Church in Tinure

May 14, 2026, Ireland

On 14 May 2026, an arson attack targeted the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Tinure, County Louth, where papers were deliberately set alight inside the building, causing a fire that spread under a pew and filled the church with smoke before being discovered.

Satanic Graffiti Defaces Barbara Chapel in Penzberg

May 14, 2026, Germany

The Barbara Chapel on the Berghalde in Penzberg has been vandalised with satanic-themed graffiti, including pentagrams and the number “666” painted in black and red.

Attempted Arson in Delmenhorst Church Involving Burning of Bibles and Hymn Books

May 13, 2026, Germany

On 13 May 2026, an attempted arson took place at the Church of St. Christophorus in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony,, where unknown individuals set fire to religious texts inside the building. The incident involved the burning of Bibles, hymnals and Bible passages placed on a table, causing smoke and a fire hazard inside the church.

Vandalism of statue during Rosary service at Sacred Heart Church

May 12, 2026, Italy

A man disrupted a Rosary service at the Sacred Heart Church in Bologna, entered shouting, and later returned to destroy a statue of St Anthony of Padua. Police are investigating the incident.