Priest Killed When Crucifix Falls During Livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil
A wooden crucifix collapsed during a livestreamed Catholic Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, killing Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari.
A Catholic priest died on Saturday after a wooden crucifix fell from a wall and struck him during a livestreamed Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed that Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was killed when the crucifix landed on the back of his head, causing him to fall to the ground.
"Father, Father! Call an ambulance!" people in the congregation were heard shouting just before the livestream cut out.
The incident was broadcast on the priest’s Facebook page, where he had more than 4,600 followers. The archdiocese posted a statement saying Sánchez "has departed to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory" and expressed its solidarity and affection for his family and friends.
Local authorities have not provided comment on the cause of the accident. Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.