All cases
Church windows vandalised
December 5, 2023, ItalyThree teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, were caught by the police, after video footage showed them throwing rocks at windows of a church in Arzignano, Italy. The damages amount to more than 2500 euros.
Thirty statues stolen from nativity scene in Tarent, Italy
December 4, 2023, ItalyThirty statues from a nativity scene, worth several hundred Euros, were stolen from the Madonna delle Grazie church in Tarnet, Italy. The thieves also tried to steal the tabernacle but failed to do so. Police started an investigation.
Climate Activists interrupt Mass in Turin
December 3, 2023, ItalyOn Sunday, December 3, a Mass held by Archbishop Roberto Repole was disrupted by climate activists. The protestors from the climate activist group "Extinction Rebellion" disrupted the church service in Turin Cathedral. During the Mass, the activists stood up one at a time, walked to the front, positioned themselves in front of the altar and started to read aloud passages from Pope Francis' "Laudato Si" and "Laudate Deum," both of which discuss climate change. The Archbishop of Turin said: "I am sorry that they decided to take the floor... without first wanting to talk to me and ask if they could intervene... I would have replied that at Mass we often pray for peace... but the Eucharistic celebration is not a suitable time to host public interventions." The Archbishop said that he initially let them speak before asking them to end so they could continue the celebration of the Mass.
Protestant Church in Annweiler Ransacked
December 2, 2023, GermanyBetween the morning of December 1 and the morning of December 2, unknown perpetrators broke into a Protestant church in Annweiler. The individuals trashed a room inside the church, but did not steal anything. The damage is estimated to cost about 500 euros. Police are still investigating the incident.
Priest's car set on fire in Carapelle
December 2, 2023, ItalyThe car of Don Claudio Barboni, the parish priest of the Church of the Blessed Mary Virgin of the Rosary in Carapelle, was demolished in a fire the night of December 2. The priest said he noticed the fire from his window at 2 in the morning. The car was parked in front of the rectory in Vico Capua.
Theft and Vandalism at Church in Casale
December 2, 2023, ItalyWithin one week a church in Casale, Itlay, became both the target of theft and vandalism.
Woman Arrested after Rosary Prayer banned in Madrid
December 1, 2023, SpainOn November 27, a woman was arrested in Madrid for praying the rosary on the streets. This comes after the Government Delegation banned the public prayer of the rosary that has been taking place in front of the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) during the ongoing anti-government protests.
Nativity scene destroyed by two British tourists in Spain
December 1, 2023, SpainDecember 1, two British tourists were caught in the act of vandalising the Jerez nativity scene in Spain. The Christ Child was the most damaged figure and had to be replaced by another. The two men were also mocking Christian prayer after they were caught. The authorities have opened an investigation against the two British tourists for vandalism.
Cross Vandalized in Church in Toulouse
November 30, 2023, FranceOn November 30 around 10 AM it was discovered that the Aucamville town church in Toulouse was vandalized. A cross was severely damaged, a vase was broken and the pieces were left on the ground. Two vandals were identified and it was discovered they were intoxicated while performing the acts of vandalism.
Sacred Objects stolen from Church in Guttaring
November 30, 2023, AustriaOn the night of November 20, unknown perpetrators broke into the pilgrimage church in Guttaring. They stole gold crowns, gold and silver chains that were connected to a picture of Mary. Furthermore, the locked altar area was broken into and religious objects were stolen from the altar. The cost of the damage is unknown and the police are investigating the situation further.