Statue of Virgin Mary Decapitated Near Lyon, Sparking Outrage
Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, May 6, 2026 – The small village of Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, located near Lyon, is in shock following the decapitation of a statue of the Virgin Mary. The vandalism occurred overnight between Sunday, May 3, and Monday, May 4, 2026. The statue, affectionately known as the Madonna or the Virgin of Notre-Dame des Monts d’or, has been a fixture in the community since 1938.
An ‘Odious Act’ Causes Consternation
The faces of both the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus she held in her arms were methodically smashed with a sledgehammer. The mayor of Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, Corinne Cardona, expressed her dismay to Europe 1, stating, “An inhabitant sent me a terrifying message: ‘the Madonna has been decapitated’. I immediately drove to the site to confirm that this odious act had taken place. All Poleymoriots are dismayed, shocked, and not just Poleymieux, by this unthinkable act.”
The statue is not situated in the village center but rather on higher ground, between two hiking trails, making its defacement all the more poignant for residents who frequently encounter it.
Investigation Launched, Public Appeal for Witnesses
The mayor’s office has filed a complaint, and an investigation is currently underway to identify the perpetrators and determine their motives. An appeal for witnesses has been launched to assist in the inquiry.
Local residents have reacted with sadness and indignation. Yves, a long-time resident of the village, commented on the incident, suggesting it was likely an anti-religious act. “It’s stupid. The destruction of symbols in general is always very foolish. We unseat statues of Colbert at one time because we don’t agree with what they represented, it’s foolish. And for religion, it’s the same. When you cut off the head of the Madonna, it’s probably an anti-religious act. It’s shocking. It didn’t exist 50 years ago,” he told Europe 1.
The incident has deeply affected the 1,300 inhabitants of Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, who view the statue as a significant cultural and religious symbol within their community. The methodical nature of the damage suggests a deliberate act of desecration, prompting concerns about the motivations behind such an attack.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the vandalism to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. The community hopes for a swift resolution and the apprehension of those responsible for this act of cultural and religious disrespect.
