Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls During Live-Streamed Mass in Guayaquil
Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was killed when a wooden cross fell on his head while he was celebrating a mass that was being streamed online at the Perpetuo Socorro church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday after a large wooden crucifix fell from the altar and struck him during a live-streamed mass at the Perpetuo Socorro church in Guayaquil, southern Ecuador. The incident was captured on video, showing the priest at the altar when the cross toppled and hit him on the head, followed by audible shouts from the congregation and people rushing to his aid.
The city’s archdiocese confirmed the death in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday. The church held a memorial eucharist the following day, led by Cardinal Luis Cabrera, archbishop of Guayaquil.
"We are grateful for all of the condolences from around the world, and especially for your prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of Patricio Sánchez," the statement read.
Ecuavisa reported that Sánchez had been preparing to officiate a wedding ceremony when the accident occurred. Police have not provided comment on the case, and the archdiocese has not responded to further inquiries.