A 76-year-old monk who had been in critical condition at Valencia’s Clinico Hospital after an assault at the Santo Espíritu del Monte de Gilet monastery on Saturday, along with members of his religious community, has died. The death comes after a day of chaotic scenes inside the monastery complex, where a man breached security and attacked residents in their living quarters. The loss deeply affects the close-knit community and has prompted calls for stronger protections for places of worship, particularly those that welcome pilgrims and visitors as part of their spiritual routine. Health authorities confirmed the death, adding that the investigation would continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The morning attack began when the intruder gained access to the monastery and moved through its corridors to rooms on an upper floor. Seven monks were struck with sticks and a bottle in what witnesses described as a single, brutal assault. The aggressor shouted that he was Jesus Christ and that he would kill the friars, a claim that shocked those inside the building and drew more staff toward the troubled area. The incident unfolded in a space used for prayer, study, and shared meals, highlighting how suddenly calm can turn into violence within a religious community.
Among the injured was a 95-year-old monk who was transferred from Sagunto Hospital to Valencia’s Clinico for specialized care and returned to the main center on Monday, where he remained hospitalized. Another victim, a 66-year-old monk, continued to be hospitalized in Sagunto as doctors monitored his condition. The details of their conditions were confirmed by medical and church officials as the situation evolved.
Early statements from the Archdiocese of Valencia initially indicated that the 76-year-old monk had died, though the Civil Guard later clarified that the man was still alive at the Clinico, in a grave condition. The divergent updates in the immediate aftermath reflected how fast information changes as investigators gather details and confirm the status of victims.
A call to the Generalitat’s Emergency Information and Coordination Center came in at 10:00 on Saturday, reporting that medical teams had treated a 76-year-old man for a traumatic brain injury and had carried him to the Clinico for urgent care. On Monday, health authorities reiterated that the patient remained hospitalized and the case was under investigation.
Three other men—aged 57, 66, and 95—were treated at the scene for contusions and other injuries, with medical staff reporting that their conditions ranged from stable to serious, depending on the moment.
Witnesses recalled the intruder entering the monks’ living spaces and attacking them with sticks and a bottle while repeating the same phrase. The violent act prompted renewed calls for safeguarding religious spaces and enforcing safety protocols within quiet monasteries that welcome visitors as part of their spiritual mission.
In the early hours of Sunday, authorities detained a 46-year-old Spanish man as the suspected attacker. He was to be brought before a judge on Tuesday as part of the legal process.
The attack has stirred debate about the protection of places of worship, particularly those that are open to the public for spiritual practice and reflection. It has also prompted discussions in Europe and North America about how communities can safeguard sacred spaces while preserving access for the faithful and visitors who come to pray, study, or volunteer.
Within Valencia and across the wider region, the incident is a stark reminder of the human vulnerability that lives at the heart of religious life. It has sparked expressions of solidarity across faiths, and many in North America point to the importance of interfaith dialogue, crisis response planning, and respectful coexistence as communities recover and seek to heal.