A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large crucifix fell on him during a Mass broadcast live online.
Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was leading the service at Perpetuo Socorro Church, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, on Saturday, October 17.
The tragic incident shocked worshippers inside the church and viewers watching the livestream.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the priest reportedly died from his injuries.
The recording showed the massive crucifix leaning away from the wall before falling onto the area where Sánchez Molinari stood at the altar.
The incident occurred about 27 minutes into the service.
Despite efforts to respond to the emergency, the priest could not be saved. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed his death.
In a statement, the Archdiocese expressed sorrow over the loss and offered prayers for the late priest, his family and colleagues.
The statement read:
‘We inform you that our beloved Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, who served as parish priest of the Perpetual Help church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to enjoy his presence and glory.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil joins in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul and expresses its solidarity, affection and love to the Redemptorist family, his relatives and friends.’
The announcement has brought attention to the sudden death of the priest during a religious service. The livestream also meant that people outside the church witnessed the moment the crucifix fell.
However, further details about what caused the crucifix to fall have not been provided in the available information.
