Livestreamed mass in Ecuador: falling crucifix kills priest during service
Incident during Mass
Sánchez was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church when the crucifix fell from a wall behind him. The livestream showed him fall to the ground and remain there.
People in the church could be heard calling for an ambulance shortly before the broadcast stopped. The footage later spread widely on social media and was carried by news outlets.
Archdiocese mourns priest
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez’s death in an announcement on Saturday. In a social media post, it said he had gone to the House of the Father.
The archdiocese also expressed solidarity and affection for his family and friends. Local authorities have not issued a comment about what happened.
Religious order and broadcast
Sánchez’s Mass was streamed on his Facebook page, which had more than 4,600 followers. The video showed the crucifix striking the back of his head as he stood before the congregation.
He belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic order founded in 1732. The order has a presence in 80 countries.
Key points
- Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died Saturday in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- A wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church.
- The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced his death and mourned him.
- Local authorities have not commented on the incident.