Priest Killed by Falling Crucifix During Mass

Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died Saturday after a large wooden crucifix fell from a church wall and struck him during a Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The service was being livestreamed on Sánchez’s Facebook page, which had more than 4,600 followers. In the broadcast, Sánchez is seen facing the congregation when the crucifix behind him falls onto the back of his head. He falls to the ground and does not get back up. People in the church can be heard shouting, “Father, Father! Call an ambulance!” before the livestream cuts off. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced Sánchez’s death and mourned him in a statement, expressing “solidarity, affection and love” for his family and friends. In a social media post, the archdiocese said he “has departed to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory.” The footage of the accident spread widely on social media on Sunday and was carried by news outlets. Local authorities had not commented on the incident at the time of the report. 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. The article reports the circumstances of the accident and the church’s response, while noting that authorities had not yet issued a public comment.

Ecuadorian priest Patricio Sánchez died after a large cross fell on him during Mass at a church in Guayaquil on Saturday evening. Video footage captured the cross coming loose from the wall behind the altar and striking Sánchez while he was addressing the congregation. The service was being streamed live on social media. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed his death and expressed condolences to the religious congregation to which he belonged. A memorial Mass was held at the church on Sunday, attended by clergy and parishioners.

Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died after a large crucifix fell from a wall and struck him during a livestreamed Mass. Shortly before the accident, he had been preaching about the fleeting nature of life and urging parishioners to devote their time to God and their loved ones rather than to distractions such as scrolling on their phones. He spoke about the value of time spent with God, family, and other people, then began another prayer and asked God to bless the congregation. The crucifix behind him fell suddenly, prompting members of the congregation to scream, rush to help, and call an ambulance. First responders arrived, but Sánchez was declared dead that day, according to officials. Sánchez served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in southern Guayaquil and belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries. He served under the Archdiocese of Guayaquil. Cardinal Archbishop Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera confirmed his death, and the church announced that Sánchez had “departed to the Father’s House” and would enjoy God’s presence and glory. He was also mourned by San Lorenzo Parish in Vinces, Los Ríos province, where parish leaders said he had served for several years. The article reports that the cause of the crucifix’s fall remains unclear and that church officials have not publicly explained the incident.