Vandal martyrs several statues in Rome churches

Ghanaian man destroys saint statues in four churches

Italian police have arrested a 39-year-old man for destroying several historic statues and causing panic among tourists and the faithful in four churches.

The man entered Saint Praxedes Basilica Sept. 30 around 7:30 p.m., destroying a statue of Saint Praxedes and then beheading a miniature of Saint Anthony.

The pastor, Father Pedro Savelli, explained to Catholic News Agency, "Right away I thought it was an attack by ISIS. The man was outside himself, but thank God we were able to get him out before he could destroy everything. He said children cannot be taught to believe, using sacred images as we do."

For more information, read the article on Catholic News Agency.