Despite widespread objections, Junipero Serra was canonized on September 23 at the National Shrine in Washington DC by Pope Francis during his US visit. On September 27, as a parish celebration of the sainthood of Junipero Serra was scheduled to take place at the Carmel Mission Basilica, a statue of Serra was toppled over and paint was smeared on two grave sites, as well as on signs with the name of Serra, and on the doors of the mission. One mission artifact was inscribed with the statement, "Saint of Genocide".

As founder of the California mission system, Junipero Serra oversaw the enslavement and torture of tens of thousands of Native Americans. Serra symbolized the genocide to many people, and his remains are buried at the Carmel mission.

Carmel police have said in the media that no Native American tombstones were vandalized, only the graves of Europeans.

Read More with Photos | See Also: Day of Mourning at Carmel Mission as Pope declares Serra Sainthood | Association of Tribal Governments Letter Opposing Serra Sainthood | Petition: Urge Pope Francis to abandon his decision to canonize Junipero Serra