Spanish Bishop Condemns Arson Attack on Catalan Mosque, Offers Support

Spanish Bishop Condemns Arson Attack on Catalan Mosque, Offers Support
——————————————
A Spanish bishop has strongly condemned a suspected arson attack on a mosque under construction in Piera, Catalonia, describing it as a “xenophobic and vandalic act” and offering the Catholic Church’s resources to the local Muslim community, Iqna.ir reported.

Bishop Xabier Gómez of Sant Feliu de Llobregat expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating the attack on the as-yet-unopened place of worship was “a blow not only to our Muslim neighbors, but to the very dignity of coexistence in our town.” Catalonia’s Interior Minister, Núria Parlon, confirmed that evidence points to a deliberate fire, potentially a hate crime. Parlon also warned that hateful rhetoric spreading online and in political spheres may be encouraging real-world violence.

The Bishop’s statement underscored the Church’s social teaching, emphasizing religious freedom as a fundamental human right and a duty to defend. He highlighted that violence against people of any faith betrays the values of a just society. In a gesture of solidarity, Bishop Gómez offered the local Church’s services to the Muslim community, affirming their dignity and right to worship freely.

The mosque suffered serious damage in the fire. Catalonia’s major Muslim federations (UCIDCAT, FCIC, and FIC) jointly condemned the incident as a “cowardly assault” aimed at disrupting peaceful coexistence. The bishop’s firm stance reflects the Church’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and the protection of minorities.