From The Pillar:
A report by the French bishops’ conference reveals significant threats to France’s Catholic heritage, detailing vandalism, deconsecration, and closures of religious buildings. Since 2000, 2,666 churches and chapels across 69 dioceses have reported break-ins, 1,476 have been damaged, and 396 desecrated. Additionally, 411 churches have been deconsecrated between 1905 and 2023, far exceeding previous estimates. The report, published on November 18, 2024, follows a nationwide survey initiated in response to concerns over the state of religious buildings, such as the 2019 Notre-Dame Cathedral fire and other incidents.
The study found 149 cathedrals, 150 basilicas, and over 40,000 churches and chapels owned by local authorities, with 326 falling into disuse since 1905. Around 1,700 buildings remain closed year-round due to depopulation or safety concerns, and 149 have been demolished since 2000. Despite these challenges, 16 new churches are under construction.
Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the bishops’ conference, highlighted the implications of France’s Church-state separation laws, emphasizing the historical commitment to keeping churches freely accessible. He voiced opposition to a proposal by Culture Minister Rachida Dati to impose a €5 entry fee at Notre-Dame Cathedral upon its December 7 reopening, arguing that it risks commodifying religious spaces.
Dati defended the fee, which could generate €75 million annually for maintenance, suggesting a cooperative approach to address funding needs. The debate underscores the tension between preserving religious patrimony and maintaining accessibility. The report and subsequent discussions aim to spark greater awareness and action to safeguard France’s Catholic heritage, which remains a critical element of its cultural identity.
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