GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — A Catholic priest has died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in Ecuador.
Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was struck on the head during a service at the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The service was being broadcast live on the internet when the crucifix, positioned behind the altar, toppled towards the priest.
Footage of the incident showed Sánchez conducting the service moments before the structure fell.
Members of the congregation cried out as the priest collapsed, and several people rushed towards the altar to assist him.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed his death.
According to CNN, the priest had been preparing to officiate at a wedding ceremony when the incident occurred.
The report cited Ecuadorian broadcaster Ecuavisa, which said police had not publicly commented on the circumstances of the accident at the time.
Archdiocese Holds Memorial Service
The Catholic Church in Guayaquil organised a memorial Mass for Sánchez the following day.
Cardinal Luis Cabrera, the archbishop of Guayaquil, presided over the service as the archdiocese acknowledged condolences received following the priest’s death.
In a statement published on social media, the archdiocese thanked those who had offered prayers and messages of sympathy.
“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 said.
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The memorial gathering brought members of the Catholic community together at the church where Sánchez had served.
The archdiocese also expressed its condolences to those affected by his death.
The circumstances that caused the crucifix to fall had not been established in the initial reports.
The livestream captured the incident, including the congregation’s immediate reaction and the efforts of those who rushed to help the priest.
