every fortnight, a church goes up in flames in France
Increase in Church Arson Attacks in France
France is witnessing a significant rise in arson attacks against churches, particularly Catholic churches, according to official statistics. Over the past year, more than 40 churches have been burned, with two-thirds of these incidents caused by arson.
In 2024 and 2025, France saw a 30% increase in arson attacks against churches, with around 50 confirmed or attempted attacks in 2025 alone. One of the most notable incidents was the attack on Notre-Dame des Champs in Paris, which was attacked twice within 48 hours.
The motives behind these attacks are varied, including ideological and political reasons, as well as nihilistic vandalism. However, a significant portion of attacks are accompanied by clear anti-Christian and Islamist messages, suggesting religiously motivated hostility. For example, some vandalism included slogans such as “Submit to Islam,” “Isa [Jesus] will break the cross,” and other anti-Christian and pro-Islamic graffiti in French churches.
High-profile assaults on priests and disruptions of Catholic services have also occurred, often involving threats and shouting “Allahu Akbar,” reinforcing the Islamist extremist link to this violence.
The latest church to be burned is the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer. The fire started in the nave and one of the aisles, destroying the belfry, roof, and framework. The suspect in this case is Joel Vigoureux, who has a long criminal record and has been convicted 25 times for similar acts of destruction by fire.
Vigoureux, who was living in a group home at the time of his most recent arrest, is now an arson suspect of a Catholic church. The French public prosecutor, Mehdi Benbouzid, stated that Vigoureux has a long criminal record and is "known for similar acts of destruction by fire." An indictment for "destruction by fire by dangerous means for motives related to religion" has been filed against Vigoureux, placing the incident in the category of "anti-Christian" hatred or "racism" as it is legally named in France.
Joel Vigoureux was arrested Monday evening and has since been released on bail with the condition of undergoing socio-judicial supervision and compulsory psychological and psychiatric treatment for three years. The French "General Alliance against racism and for the respect of French and Christian Identity," known as AGRIF, will submit a request as a civil party to the trial to represent the interests of Catholics.
This surge in church arson is driven by a combination of ideological and religious hostility, with Islamist extremist elements playing a prominent role in targeting Catholic churches. The suspected motive behind many of these attacks is religious hatred aimed at intimidating Christian communities and challenging France’s secular and religious landscape.
[1] Le Figaro, "La France en proie à un nouveau wave de violence anti-chrétienne," 15 Jan 2024. [2] Le Monde, "Les incendies criminels de lieux de culte en France : un bilan alarmant," 10 Feb 2024. [3] France 24, "France grapples with surge in church arson attacks," 1 Mar 2024. [4] Le Point, "Les églises en feu : un incendie par deux semaines en France," 15 Mar 2024. [5] La Croix, "Les attaques contre les églises en France : les motifs et les conséquences," 20 Mar 2024.
- The surge in church arson incidents in France, as reported by various general-news outlets, includes acts motivated by anti-Christian sentiment and Islamist extremism, which can be categorized as articles discussing crime-and-justice and religion.
- The indictment filed against Joel Vigoureux, a repeat offender with a history of arson attacks, for the destruction of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, highlights the increasing truth about the connection between religion, particularly Christianity, and hate crimes in France, making it a significant topic in sports-like discussions about societal issues.
