Priest dies after crucifix collapses during livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was standing at the altar of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday when a large wooden crucifix behind him fell forward and struck him. The incident was captured on the live stream of the Mass, showing worshippers rushing to his side and calling for assistance.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced his death in a Facebook statement, identifying him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in its Central Vicariate.

"Our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari … has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory," the archdiocese wrote in Spanish, adding a Latin prayer for his repose.

A woman in the video can be heard pleading for help.

"Father, Father … call an ambulance."

Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) and had previously served as parish priest in San Lorenzo, Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province. The cause of the crucifix’s collapse has not been disclosed by church officials.