A recent incident at St. Peter's Basilica, where a man vandalized the main altar, has highlighted a growing global concern: the increasing number of attacks targeting the Catholic Church. Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, expressed his concern to Fox News Digital, stating that this event is part of a broader trend of hostility towards Catholics worldwide.
The incident involved a man leaping onto the altar, toppling a 19th-century candelabra, and discarding the altar cloth. Italian news agency ANSA reported the damage to the six candelabras is estimated at around $31,000. The Vatican Press Office confirmed the incident, attributing it to an individual with mental health issues who was subsequently apprehended.
Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Houston was vandalized with a pro-choice message last summer. (Fox 26 Houston)
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington with Bridget. (Diocese of Arlington)
Bishop Burbidge emphasized the need for prayer for the perpetrator and those affected by the act. He also noted that while such attacks are distressing, they align with scriptural teachings about opposition to Christ and his followers. CatholicVote, a Catholic advocacy group, believes the attack reflects both spiritual and political motivations, pointing to the rise of anti-Catholic sentiment, particularly among pro-abortion extremists.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has documented a significant number of attacks on Catholic churches in the U.S. since May 2020. These incidents range from arson and vandalism to the desecration of statues and religious symbols. CatholicVote's independent tracking has recorded even more instances. The organization stressed the duty of public officials to protect religious freedom and highlighted the potential link between anti-Catholic rhetoric and violence.
Priest attacked at downtown Spokane Catholic church (Facebook/ Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral)
Tommy Valentine, director of the Catholic Accountability Project at CatholicVote, highlighted a global pattern of attacks, citing examples from Canada, France, India, and Nigeria. He expressed hope that the Trump administration would prioritize the protection of Catholic churches alongside other religious sites.
