Vandals break into closed Ohio Catholic church, suspects face charges
Police took all suspects into custody after intruders forced their way into Mother of Sorrows Church, which closed last year over structural and financial concerns.
Multiple suspects face charges of breaking and entering and criminal mischief after an Oct. 3 break-in at a closed Catholic church in Ashtabula, Ohio, according to the Diocese of Youngstown.
The diocese condemned the intrusion at the former Mother of Sorrows Church in an Oct. 3 press release.
“This act of violation and disrespect against a place dedicated to worship, community, and peace is unequivocally the work of the evil one, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” the statement read. “While our hearts are heavy, our faith remains unshaken, and we stand united as a parish and diocesan community in prayer, resilience, and hope.”
Damage was limited to an entrance door the suspects forced their way through, Cleveland 19 reported Oct. 4. The parish said an inspection indicated nothing had been taken.
According to the outlet, Mother of Sorrows closed in late 2025 after a diocesan decree cited roof repairs estimated to cost more than $4 million and insufficient parish funds to cover them.
A community group has challenged the closure, and the appeal has been referred to the Vatican for review, the outlet noted.
The number of suspects and a possible motive have not been disclosed.
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