Catholic priest dies after crucifix falls on him during livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

The footage shows Father Sanchez Molinari standing at the altar when a heavy wooden crucifix came crashing down on him.

A Catholic priest died on Saturday after a crucifix fell on him during a Mass that was being livestreamed in Ecuador. The incident took place on October 17.

The incident took place on October 17. (X/@Osint613)

Footage circulating widely on social media shows priest Patrick Alfredo Sanchez Molinari addressing his congregation at the Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, when a crucifix suddenly fell on him, striking him on the head.

The footage shows Father Sanchez Molinari standing at the altar when a heavy, wooden crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly broke loose and came crashing down on him.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death on Sunday. In a post on Instagram, it said, “We inform our beloved P. Patrick Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR. , who was acting as a priest of the Perpetuo Help church in the Vicariat Centro, has gone to the Father's House to enjoy his presence and glory.”

The statement continued: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

The incident drew condolences from the local Catholic community and viewers worldwide who saw it unfold in real time.