Doors of Catholic Church in Novi Sad set on fire

The northern doors of the Catholic Church of the Name of Mary in the center of Novi Sad were set on fire early Thursday morning, but the fire did not spread and there were no injuries, Novi Sad media reported.

Significant damage to the 19th-century doors was prevented by the intervention of firefighters, and a police investigation is underway.

Parish priest Attila Zsellér said that the reason why someone would set the fire is unknown and that he regrets that this happened during Christmas, Hina reports.

"Thank God there were no casualties. We only have material damage. The firefighters reacted quickly and extinguished the fire," said Zsellér.

The doors will have to be reconstructed, and before that, the northern entrance to the church, facing the part of the city with a large number of cafes, will have to be protected, Novi Sad media state.

The Church of the Name of Mary, known as the Novi Sad Cathedral, is located in the center and is a symbol of the city.