A Catholic priest, Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, has died after a large wooden cross fell on him while he was conducting Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The incident happened on Saturday during a church service being livestreamed on social media, according to reports by the Associated Press and Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo.
Sánchez Molinari was reportedly standing at the altar when the cross mounted on the wall behind him suddenly detached and struck him on the head.
Footage of the service captured the moment the heavy crucifix fell on the priest, while worshippers raised alarm and called for help as the livestream continued.
According to El Universo, members of the congregation rushed to assist the priest and urgently requested an ambulance following the incident.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed his death, identifying him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious order established in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.
The archdiocese also expressed condolences to the Redemptorist community and the deceased priest’s family and friends.
Sánchez Molinari had previously served for several years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish, which also mourned his death.
As of the time of reporting, the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the cross had not been officially established. The Associated Press also reported that local authorities had yet to issue a statement on the incident.
