The figures, taken from a report released by the French Ministry of the Interior, worry the country’s Catholics.
Newsroom (15/02/2025 16:32, Gaudium Press) The number of attacks against Christians in France fell by 10% in 2024 compared to 2023, totaling 770 recorded cases. Despite this, there was a significant increase in the number of fires, thefts and acts of vandalism at Christian churches and other religious buildings.
Religious hate crimes directed against Christians
These figures were taken from a report released earlier this year by the French Ministry of the Interior. According to the document, religious hate crimes targeting Christians accounted for 31 per cent of all attacks in 2023, second only to anti-Semitic attacks (62 per cent).
Increase in arson and vandalism against churches
According to the report, for the second year running, the number of arsons and vandalism against Catholic churches and parishes has increased. In 2024, almost 50 incidents of this kind were recorded, an increase of 30 per cent compared to the previous year, when there were 38 cases. The figures include overseas territories such as New Caledonia.
Protecting religious churches in France
With regard to thefts from places of worship, 288 incidents were recorded in 2024, representing a 10 per cent increase compared to 2023. These growing numbers have Catholics worried about the protection of religious places in France. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has pledged to protect these spaces. (EPC)
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm
