Following Church Burglaries in Mauritius, Catholic Bishop Urges Parishes to Strengthen Security

Port Louis, 23 August, 2025 / 8:19 PM

Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of the Catholic Diocese of Port-Louis in Mauritius has called for the reinforcement of security measures around places of worship after four churches, including the Cathedral of Saint-Louis, were broken into.

In a statement issued Friday, August 22, Bishop Durhône decries “a series of burglaries that have occurred in recent days in several places of worship.”

Four churches were targeted: the Parishes of St. Joseph, St. Francis Xavier, Holy Cross, and the St. Louis Cathedral of Port-Louis Diocese.

“Although no human life was threatened, material damage is to be regretted in these sacred places, which are spaces of prayer, reflection, and peace for the faithful,” the Local Ordinary of Port Louis says.

He adds, “These acts of theft in a sacred place not only affect material goods but also shock and wound the religious sentiment of Mauritians.”

The Mauritian Catholic Church leader, who was consecrated Bishop of Port Louis Diocese in August 2023 further says the police have been notified and an investigation has been opened.

He invites Parishes in his Episcopal See to “strengthen the security of their churches and Parish spaces.”