All cases
Statue of the Virgin Mary Destroyed at Ripoli Shrine
October 31, 2026, ItalyAn unknown perpetrator destroyed a statue of the Madonna and Child in a roadside shrine in Bagno a Ripoli, across from the Ponti Gardens. With a heavy instrument, the perpetrator is believed to have struck the head of the figure of Mary, which was found shattered beneath the shrine. News of the incident provoked condemnation and initiative from the local community to assist in reparation of the statue.
Offensive Graffiti Inside Church Forces Parish Church to Reduce Opening Hours
October 28, 2026, ItalyOffensive graffiti was found on pews and entrance steps of the parish church in Quinzano d’Oglio. Although volunteers promptly removed the offensive writing, the parish priest decided to close the church earlier each day to prevent further vandalism, reducing access outside morning services.
Christ figure removed from Roadside Cross in Bocholt
October 26, 2026, GermanyA bronze figure of Jesus Christ measuring approximately two metres in height was broken off and removed from a roadside crucifix in Bocholt, near the Catholic Church. This is not the first incident to affect the Catholic Parish of Our Lady, which has been targeted in acts of theft previously, however, this crucifix was described as not easily replaced. Police opened an investigation into the incident and the parish council is planning a new design for the roadside shrine.
Five Churches in Leipzig targeted in days
October 25, 2026, GermanyFive churches in the various districts of Leipzig have been vandalised by unknown perpetrators between 21 and 25 October. According to police, doors, windows, and facades of the churches were damaged in the attacks. Due to the similarities between the incidents, police have opened an investigation into malicious damage of property and suspect the cases may be connected, reports state. A pastor from one of the free churches linked the targeting of church buildings to the attacks on Leipzig's 'Stay' Café earlier in the year, saying the intent has taken on "a completely new dimension."
Cross on Church Poster Defaced into Swastika
October 25, 2026, GermanyUnknown perpetrators altered a Christian cross on a poster outside a church in Nettlingen, turning it into a swastika. The poster carried a message rejecting Nazi symbolism. Church representatives condemned the vandalism, and the church council filed a criminal complaint.
"Allahu Akbar" Graffitied on Madrid Church
October 25, 2026, SpainOn 25 October, several Arabic inscriptions, including the phrase "Allahu Akbar," were found on the face of the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in Madrid. The incident occurs in the context of growing concerns about attacks against Christian holy sites in Spain.
30 Graves Vandalised at Cemetery in Ansac-sur-Vienne
October 22, 2026, FranceDuring the night of 21 to 22 October, approximately 30 graves were looted and damaged at the municipal cemetery in Ansac-sur-Vienne. The perpetrators stole funerary ornaments, including crosses and commemorative plaques, and broke other grave decorations. The thefts and vandalism caused distress among local families and provoked a response from the local mayor who stated that the act was "shameful." A police investigation has been opened.
Tabernacle Vandalised and Statue Damaged in Albi
October 20, 2026, FranceOn 20 October, intruders broke into the Church of Sainte-Madeleine in Albi, tore out and destroyed a tabernacle and damaged a statue of St James the Greater. The incident was a shock to the parish priest, and a complaint was filed by the Diocese of Albi.
Five Stained-Glass Windows Broken with Projectiles at Étevaux Church
October 20, 2026, FranceFive stained-glass windows at the village church in Étevaux were broken with projectiles. The municipality lodged a complaint over the damage.
Arson Attack at Church in Ploubalay
October 19, 2026, FranceOn 19 October, two separate fires were deliberately set inside Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Church in Ploubalay. A parishioner who tried to extinguish the flames was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. The church has been closed until further notice, and the gendarmerie opened an investigation into the case.
Sacrilegious Theft and Desecration at Carmelite Church
October 19, 2026, ItalyOn 19 October, an unknown perpetrator broke into the Maria Santissima del Carmelo Parish, broke into the church tabernacle, removed the consecrated hosts and threw them across the altar, before stealing the ciboria and other sacred vessels, in what the parish has described as "a serious act of desecration."
Suspected Arson Destroys Organ at San Rocco Church
October 18, 2026, ItalyA deliberately lit fire destroyed the organ at San Rocco church in Voghera. Two young suspects were reported to prosecutors after investigators examined CCTV footage. Fire and smoke forced the church to close on the day of Sunday worship.
Archbishop Reports Churches Forced Open During Marseille Unrest
October 17, 2026, FranceCardinal Jean-Marc Aveline reported that churches had been forced open during unrest in Marseille. His statement condemned the violence but did not identify the churches concerned or detail the damage.
Religious Statue Damaged at San Rocco Shrine
October 10, 2026, ItalyA statue of the Virgin Mary was damaged and defaced at a shrine of the Madonna Del Popolo at the Church of San Rocco on 10 October. The perpetrators are suspected to be a group of teenagers who also littered the churchyard and damaged several flowerpots surrounding the shrine. Local police are investigating, and the parish communities in the area announced a Mass of Reparation for the offensive vandalistic act.
Attempted Arson in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Die under Investigation
October 8, 2026, FranceOn 8 October 2026, a 19-year-old man was arrested after allegedly attempting to start a fire inside Notre-Dame Cathedral in Die. The suspect was placed in police custody on suspicion of attempted damage by fire after he was caught with matches and at least one candle in the middle of the Cathedral.
Holy Water Font Smeared with Excrement at Düsseldorf Church
October 6, 2026, GermanyAt the Catholic Church of Our Lady in Flingen-Düsseldorf, the holy water font was reportedly smeared with excrement amid repeated incidents of disorder and vandalism in the church entrance area. In response, the parish has decided to close the church outside of religious services, restricting access to the community.
Torn Bible and Damaged Statuary Reported at Sens Cathedral
October 5, 2026, FranceSens Patrimoine reported repeated damage and intrusions at Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Sens, including a Bible found torn before the altar, damaged statuary and inscriptions described as “satanic”. The association requested stronger security measures.
Adolescents Film Profanation Inside Saint-Hilaire Church
October 4, 2026, FranceNine adolescents reportedly filmed themselves inside the Church of Saint-Hilaire in Soullans, singing and dancing to a rap song containing references to glorifying a terrorist attack which took place in 2015. The video further showed disrespectful and disorderly behaviour around the altar of the church, as well as some minor damage including overturned objects and burn marks on benches. The incident has prompted judicial investigation for an alleged glorification of terrorism inside a Christian place of worship.
Violence against Parishioners recorded at Salesian parish in Cuneo
October 4, 2026, ItalyThe Salesian parish in Cuneo reported repeated vandalism, disturbances and violence, including spitting on pews and kneelers, damaging a confessional, and throwing stones at a parishioner, and intimidating people at prayer. The incidents have caused concern among the deeply affected the parish community, and the parish priest has called for communal unity to ensure the church remains respected by all.
Virgin Mary Statue Desecrated in Attack in Porto-Vecchio
October 1, 2026, FranceDuring the night of 30 September to 1 October, a statue of the Virgin Mary at a public street in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, was deliberately pulled from its pedestal and destroyed while perpetrators filmed the incident. The statue, known as 'A Vergine Maria', is a place of devotion for local residents. The Catholic Church of Corsica has expressed support for the parish community and called on the faithful to pray for the conversion of those responsible.