Priest Killed When Giant Crucifix Falls During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

A Catholic priest has died after a heavy crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified the priest as Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, known locally as Perpetuo Socorro. The incident happened on Saturday night, October 17.

Video of the service shows the crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Sánchez on the head as he celebrated Mass. He did not appear to see it falling. Worshippers cried for help as the broadcast continued on social media, and the footage has since spread widely online.

The archdiocese confirmed his death on Sunday in a social media post.

“We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory,” the archdiocese said.

Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 that has a presence in 80 countries.

Local authorities have not commented on the incident. It is not yet clear why the crucifix came loose.