Devastating Attack on Church in France Renews Concerns over Security in Places of Worship

Catholic News Agency

The historic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer, in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, was ravaged by arson on the night of Sept. 2.

The suspect, a multi-recidivist who has attempted to set fire to numerous places of worship in the past, was apprehended a few hours after the blaze was brought under control.

According to local authorities, the fire started at around 4 a.m. It then spread to the side and central aisles, then to the roof and bell tower, which rapidly collapsed. The fire was contained by 7:15 a.m. thanks to the efforts of 120 firefighters.

READ THE FULL STORY

More Breaking News

Latest News

Supreme Court Denies Trump’s Request to Block Hush Money Sentencing

Jan 9, 20251 min read

The Supreme Court on Thursday night denied President-elect Donald Trump's last minute request to block sentencing in his hush money case.

Mexico: Criminal Groups Recruit Young People Through Video Games on Their Cell Phones

Jan 9, 20252 min read

Mexican authorities warned this Tuesday about the use of online gaming platforms on mobile phones, where criminal groups enter to convince young people and involve them in illicit activities. The Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection (SSPC), through the General Directorate of Service Management, Cybersecurity and Technological Development, explained in a statement that the “growth of this sector is due to the easy access and versatility of smartphones.”

Biden Admin’s Effort to Drive Men into Women’s Sports Runs Out of Gas

Jan 9, 20252 min read

President Joe Biden’s attempt to rewrite Title IX to include gender identity was officially blocked by a federal court Thursday. The rule rewrite would have allowed biological males to compete in women’s sports and use women’s spaces. Challengers to the rule hailed the court’s decision, with Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti declaring the ruling to be a “massive win.”