Ecuador Priest Killed by Falling Crucifix During Livestreamed Mass

A Catholic priest was tragically killed when a crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The incident occurred on Saturday at the Church of Perpetual Relief, where Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was serving as the parish priest.

During the mass, a heavy crucifix detached from the wall behind the altar and struck Sánchez on the back of the head while he was facing the congregation. Graphic footage of the event circulated on social media before being removed, showing the immediate panic among parishioners as they rushed to assist him. Despite calls for an ambulance, emergency responders were unable to revive him.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his passing and stated that a Eucharist in his memory was planned for Sunday evening. The cause of the crucifix's fall remains unknown, and local authorities have not yet provided further comments on the incident.