Ecuadorian Priest Dies After Cross Falls on Him During Live Mass

A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large wooden cross fell on him during a live-streamed Mass. The tragic incident took place on Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil.

Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari was at the altar when the cross, which was hanging behind him, became detached and struck him on the head. Reports indicate that the priest did not notice the cross falling while worshippers cried out for help as the service continued to be broadcast online.

Footage from the Mass showed the heavy crucifix falling from the wall above the altar. Worshippers rushed to assist Father Sánchez Molinari and called for an ambulance. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed his death and expressed condolences to his family and the Redemptorist community, to which he belonged.

Father Sánchez Molinari had served for several years at the San Lorenzo de Vinces parish before his death. The exact reasons for the cross detaching from the wall have not been determined, and local authorities have not commented on the incident.

This incident has drawn significant attention due to its shocking nature, especially as it was captured during the livestreamed service.