#Alleged would-be arsonist thwarted by Queens pastor

A man was caught on video allegedly trying to start a fire in the entryway of a Queens church Saturday before the pastor thwarted him, cops and diocese officials say.

Surveillance footage released by the Diocese of Brooklyn shows the alleged would-be arsonist first toss what appears to be a scarf into the vestibule, where the doors were open, of St. Gerard Majella in Hollis, church officials said.

The man then apparently lights something and tosses it in, too, said the diocese, which also covers Queens.

The man then suddenly stops what he’s doing and sits down on the church steps, the video shows. He is soon confronted by Father Josephjude Gannon and scuttles away.

“This is sad and very scary, but it could have been worse,” Father Gannon said in a statement. “Thankfully no one was hurt and nothing was damaged.

“Clearly this person has issues, whatever they are I don’t know but I hope he gets help. I will pray for him.”

Anyone with information should call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.