Priest Killed When Giant Crucifix Falls on Him During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

A Catholic priest in Ecuador was killed on Saturday evening when a large wooden crucifix broke free from the church wall and fell directly onto him during Mass. The service at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil was being livestreamed at the time, so people watching from home saw the moment unfold.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a member of the Redemptorist order also known as the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, was standing at the altar while a woman in the congregation recited a prayer.

The heavy crucifix, mounted on the wall behind him, suddenly detached and struck him, knocking him out of view of the camera. Cries of panic filled the church as several people, including women from the congregation, rushed forward to help. What caused the crucifix to fall has not been explained.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified him in a post shared the same day and offered condolences. “The Archdiocese of Guayaquil joins in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul and expresses its solidarity, affection and love to the Redemptorist community, his family and friends,” the statement read, adding “Rest in peace.”

Authorities and the archdiocese did not immediately respond to further questions about the incident. Father Sánchez Molinari belonged to an order founded in 1732 that focuses on missionary work, preaching, and serving communities in need.