church attacks

The Latest

U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.

U.S. bishops urge more federal security funds for houses of worship, nonprofits

Dec 13, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

The U.S. bishops are asking Congress to provide $200 million in federal funds for grants that improve security for houses... Read more

Military personnel stand guard at the entrance of a gymnasium while police investigators (background) look for evidence after a bomb attack at Mindanao State University in Marawi in the southern Philippines on Dec. 3, 2023.

Pope Francis prays for victims of bombing of Catholic Mass in the Philippines

Dec 4, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Dec. 3 blast in a university gymnasium. Read more

Military personnel stand guard at the entrance of a gymnasium while police investigators look for evidence after a bomb attack at a Catholic Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del sur province in the southern Philippines on Dec. 3, 2023. At least three people were killed and seven wounded, officials said.

At least three killed in explosion during Mass on Philippine campus

Dec 3, 2023

By Shannon Mullen

Authorities are investigating whether Islamic insurgents were responsible for the blast. Read more

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is home to the Seton Shrine in New York City.

Man arrested in attack on Elizabeth Ann Seton shrine at Manhattan parish

Jul 17, 2023

By Daniel Payne

A man allegedly wearing priest’s vestments — and reportedly without pants on — broke into Our Lady of Rosary Catholic... Read more

Minister of the Interior of Spain Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Spanish government reproached for lack of response to jihadist attack on churches that left one dead

Feb 27, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

The Observatory for Religious and Conscience Freedom criticized the Spanish government for its “silence and inaction” in the face of... Read more

Auxiliary Bishop Ansgar Puff in the devastated Kreuzerhöhungskirche in Wissen, Germany, Feb. 15, 2023.

Watchdog raises concerns after arson attacks on German, French churches

Feb 21, 2023

By AC Wimmer

Following an arson attack on a historic church in Germany, a European watchdog has raised concerns over hate crimes targeting... Read more

Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa.

Police: Man attacked Tulsa cathedral attendant with sword, tried to set building on fire

Oct 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

Police apprehended a suspect approximately an hour and a half after the alleged attack. Read more

Raphael, “St. Michael Vanquishing Satan,” 1518

CatholicVote to hold St. Michael novena in defense of churches, pregnancy centers

Sep 10, 2022

By Katie Yoder

CatholicVote is inviting Christians nationwide to pray a novena asking for St. Michael’s intercession amid the growing number of attacks... Read more

State officials walk past injured victims on hospital beds being treated for wounds following an attack by gunmen at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, southwest Nigeria, on June 5, 2022.

Arrests made in Nigeria Pentecost massacre

Aug 12, 2022

By CNA Staff

One of those arrested in the killing of 40 people is a high-ranking member of Islamic State, authorities said. Read more

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Adams County, Colorado, sustained thousands of dollars in estimated damage from a pair of drive-by shootings Aug. 6 and Aug. 8, 2022.

Drive-by gunshots target Denver-area Catholic church

Aug 8, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

No one was hurt, but the church suffered tens of thousands of dollars in estimated damage. Read more

Map of Nigeria.

Nigeria church massacre: State Dept. official meets local bishop

Jun 17, 2022

By Maisy Sullivan

The meeting took place following a request by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey. Read more

St. Matthew Catholic Church appears gutted by fire, allegedly set by government soldiers, in eastern Myanmar on June 15, 2022.

Myanmar troops set fire to Catholic church, rebel group says

Jun 16, 2022

By CNA Staff

Soldiers of the military junta that controls Myanmar have frequently attacked Catholic churches and other civilian targets. Read more

Pro-abortion activists shown disrupting a Mass at St. Veronica Parish in Eastpointe, Michigan. A video said the incident happened on June 12, 2022.

Nearly naked activist shouting pro-abortion chants disrupts Mass in Michigan

Jun 13, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

“Overturn Roe? Hell, no!” the woman shouted. In turn, a man in the church chanted, “Abortion kills babies!" Read more

Surveillance footage shows suspects spray-painting pro-abortion slogans on the exterior of South Broward Pregnancy Help Center, a pro-life clinic in Hollywood, Florida, on May 28, 2022.

Who, or what, is 'Jane's Revenge'? A look at the group invoked in pro-abortion vandalism

Jun 11, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

Some say the name is an apparent reference to an illegal abortion procurement ring in the 1960s and '70s. Read more

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega during the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution at "La Fe" square in Managua on July 19, 2019.

190 attacks against Church in Nicaragua under Daniel Ortega since 2018, report says

Jun 10, 2022

By CNA Staff

The Ortega regime has "initiated an indiscriminate persecution" against the Catholic Church, the report says. Read more

The nave of Saint-Ouen Abbey in Rouen, Normandy, France.

Why France is losing one religious building every two weeks

May 4, 2021

By Solène Tadié

France’s religious heritage is in a precarious state. This is why. Read more

Ambulances are seen outside the church premises with gathered people and security personnel following a blast at the St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo on April 21, 2019.

Two years after Easter attacks, Sri Lankan Catholics still calling for answers

Mar 21, 2021

By CNA Staff

Catholic leaders in Sri Lanka are urging the government to step up its efforts to investigate the 2019 Easter Sunday... Read more

Vandalized monument at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Bloomingburg, New York.

Attacks on Catholic statues continue over weekend

Jul 20, 2020

By Christine Rousselle

Several Catholic churches in the United States reported vandalism and other damage to statues over the past weekend, the latest... Read more

(CC0 1.0)

Rise in crimes against churches in France shock faithful, prompt reflection

Jul 11, 2019

Vandalism, theft, arson and other increasing attacks on churches in France have led to debates about their causes, amid shock... Read more

A man drives past a church in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso.

Four killed in attack on parish in Burkina Faso

May 29, 2019

Four people were killed Sunday during an attack on a Catholic church in Burkina Faso. There have been several such... Read more