20/10/2026
Ecuador Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls During Livestreamed Mass
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador** — A Catholic priest died Saturday after a large crucifix fell from a church wall and struck him during a Mass livestreamed on social media, according to the Associated Press.
The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was celebrating Mass at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on the evening of Oct. 17 when the heavy crucifix detached from the wall behind him and struck him on the head.
Video of the incident showed the priest standing near the altar and facing the congregation when the crucifix suddenly fell. Worshippers cried out for help as several rushed to assist him, while the livestream continued to capture the aftermath.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death and expressed condolences to his family, friends and fellow members of the religious community.
Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious order dedicated to missionary work and pastoral service, the AP reported.
The cause of the accident remained unclear as of Monday, Oct. 19. Local authorities had not publicly commented on the incident, while the archdiocese said further information would be provided after a technical report on the circumstances surrounding the crucifix’s fall.
The incident shocked parishioners and viewers who witnessed the tragedy through the livestream, prompting an outpouring of condolences for the priest and the church community.