A Catholic priest has died after a massive wooden crucifix fell on him while he was conducting Mass at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in a tragic incident witnessed by worshippers watching the service online.
The victim, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, died on Saturday, October 17, after the heavy religious structure reportedly came loose from its mounting and struck him during the service.
Video footage of the incident shows Sánchez Molinari addressing the congregation from behind a lectern, with the large wooden crucifix positioned directly behind him. Moments later, the structure suddenly detached and toppled forward, hitting the priest on the head and pinning him against the lectern.
The unexpected collapse sparked panic among those present at the church, with worshippers heard calling for urgent medical assistance. A woman could be heard pleading in the footage, saying, “Father, Father… call an ambulance!”
Emergency responders were subsequently summoned to the scene. However, reports indicate that medical personnel could only confirm the priest’s death.
The incident was broadcast live, allowing people following the Mass remotely to witness the accident as it unfolded. Recordings of the tragic moment have since circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the circumstances surrounding the priest’s death.
On Sunday, church authorities in Guayaquil formally announced Sánchez Molinari’s passing in a statement, describing him as a member of the Redemptorist religious order.
“We announce that our beloved Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a member of the Redemptorist order, has gone to the Father’s house to rejoice in His presence and glory,” the statement said.
The church’s announcement followed the fatal incident, which has left members of the Catholic community mourning the loss of the priest.
As of the latest reports provided, the precise circumstances that caused the wooden crucifix to break free from its mounting have not been established. It remains unclear what led to the structure’s sudden collapse during the religious service.
