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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

France sees sharp rise in church thefts targeting sacred art

France Gold
A woman walks through the Notre-Dame du Mont church in Marseille, southern France, on Thursday 25 April 2024. Churches across the country have seen a rise in thefts of sacred objects and artworks. © AP - Daniel Cole

Thefts from churches in France have surged this year, as sacred objects and artworks are increasingly targeted by thieves – driven by soaring gold prices and easy access to many small, poorly protected buildings.

The Interior Ministry recorded 538 cases in 2025, an 11 percent rise from the previous year.

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