Although fewer anti-Christian hate crimes were recorded in September than in previous months, the 30 documented incidents were marked by particularly severe violence, including a homicide, several physical assaults and an alleged terrorist attack plot. A total of eight Christians were physically harmed, including five clergymen. 

The most serious incident occurred in Poland, where a priest was killed and four others injured in a knife attack at a Benedictine convent. A surviving priest appealed against blaming Ukrainians collectively for the actions of the suspected perpetrator. Further physical attacks targeted Christians in Austria and Italy. In Germany, a suspected ISIS supporter was arrested over a planned attack on a church in Bremen.

The highest number of incidents was recorded in Italy (8), followed by Germany (5), France and Poland (4 each), and Austria (3).

Overall, the 30 recorded incidents comprised 12 cases of vandalism, 4 desecrations, 3 arson-related attacks, 3 physical assaults, 3 thefts targeting religious objects, and one case each of homicide, terrorism plot, threats, disruption of worship and harassment.

Download the full report for a detailed analysis of anti-Christian incidents across Europe in September 2026.