Priest killed when altar cross collapses during livestreamed mass in Ecuador
A Catholic priest died after a heavy wooden crucifix fell during a livestreamed service at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, according to the local archdiocese.
A Catholic priest was fatally injured when a large wooden altar cross detached and fell during a livestreamed mass at the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The incident occurred about 27 minutes into the broadcast on Saturday afternoon. The priest, identified as Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, was pinned by the cross and died at the scene.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the death in a statement, expressing prayers for the priest’s soul and solidarity with his family, friends, and the Redemptorist community to which he belonged. Police have indicated that no criminal investigation is currently underway.
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of condolences on social media, with colleagues and members of the public sharing messages of sympathy.