In a brief statement, the Vatican said, “it cannot but join its voice with the others that have been raised in these last days to deplore the offense made to numerous Christians and believers of other religions.”

The Knights of Columbus, an influential Catholic charitable organization, says it will cover up its mosaics made by a famous ex-Jesuit artist accused of abusing women.

Vandalizing another culture's sacred art is not a heroic act. It is an example of resistance to inculturation, part of the process by which the faith has become rooted in disparate cultures throughout history.

Lourdes Bishop Jean-Marc Micas said in a statement that ex-jesuit artist accused of abuse, Marko Rupnik's, artwork will continue be displayed in Lourdes as to not "tear the church apart".

Indigenous Catholics in New Mexico are reeling after an image of Christ as an Apache holy man was taken from a Mescalero mission. The church's pastor has fallen under suspicion of complicity in the removal.

A statue of Mary giving birth to Jesus was beheaded by an anonymous group of vandals, garnering support from traditionalist Catholics who have criticized the statue's depictions.