Catholic Priest Dies After Massive Crucifix Falls on Him During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

A Catholic priest in Ecuador was killed after a massive wooden crucifix fell from the wall behind the altar and struck him during a livestreamed Mass, leaving worshippers screaming and rushing to help.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday evening, October 17, when the deadly accident occurred. The service was being broadcast live on social media, capturing the horrifying moment the heavy cross came loose and fell onto the priest.

Worshippers Screamed for Help as the Incident Unfolded

Video of the service shows Father Sánchez Molinari standing near the altar when the large crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly toppled forward, striking him on the head and knocking him out of view of the camera.

The congregation immediately reacted in panic. Worshippers can be heard shouting for help, with one woman desperately calling out, “Father, Father … call an ambulance!”

Several people rushed toward the priest as the livestream continued, documenting the frantic response inside the church.

Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Father Sánchez Molinari was pronounced dead later that day.

Church Confirms Priest’s Death

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a statement, identifying him as the parish priest serving at Perpetuo Socorro Church in the archdiocese’s Central Vicariate.

“We announce that our beloved Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, who served as parish priest of the Perpetual Help church in the Central Vicariate, has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory,” the church said.

The archdiocese expressed its condolences and offered prayers for the priest’s family, friends and fellow members of the religious community.

Father Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists. Founded in 1732, the Roman Catholic religious order is dedicated to missionary work, preaching and serving disadvantaged communities, with a presence in countries around the world.

Cause of the Fatal Accident Remains Unknown

Authorities and church officials had not publicly explained why the heavy crucifix detached from the wall. Local authorities had not issued a detailed public account of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The tragedy has shocked members of the congregation and the wider Catholic community, particularly because the incident was captured during a service intended for worship and prayer.

As tributes and condolences emerged following his death, Father Sánchez Molinari was remembered as a priest whose ministry had served his parish and religious community.

The fatal incident remains under scrutiny, with the reason the crucifix fell still unknown.