Crucifix torn down and spat on at San Gregorio Barbarigo, Padua

On Thursday evening, 1 October 2026, as assistant priest don Mattia Francescon was finishing evening Mass at Chiesa di San Gregorio Barbarigo on via Valmarana in Arcella, Padua, Italy, an unknown man entered by the main door, walked to a central chapel, tore a crucifix from the altar and hurled it to the floor (the figure lost its arms), insulted it and spat on it in front of about fifteen faithful, then left. Witnesses said the same man had earlier smashed car windows on the church forecourt with a pickaxe. Carabinieri seized the crucifix and are working to identify him. Parish priest don Giovanni Molon suggested a mentally disturbed person. Il Gazzettino published on 4 October 2026.

Desecration filed as incidentType vandalism. Coordinates are the Nominatim place_of_worship pin (OSM building=church; OSM name Chiesa di San Gregorio; Wikidata Q122158316 chiesa di San Gregorio Barbarigo) on Via Elena Valmarana, Arcella, Padua (45.4337823, 11.8920034). occurredOn is Thursday 1 October 2026.