World · Latin America · 4 hrs ago
Priest dies after crucifix falls during Mass in Ecuador
A heavy crucifix fell on priest Patricio Sánchez during a Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday.
The service was being livestreamed, and footage shows the wooden cross detaching from a wall above the altar and hitting him on the head.
Worshippers called for help, and the broadcast cut off; Sánchez died.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified him as a priest at Perpetuo Socorro Church and a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
The cause of the cross falling is not known, and local authorities have not commented.
The incident matters because it happened during a public religious service and was captured on video.
No further official findings or next steps have been reported.
A Catholic priest died after a heavy wooden crucifix fell on him during Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The incident happened during a livestreamed service on Saturday night.
The priest was identified as Patricio Sánchez, also named as Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari in one report.
The crucifix fell from a wall above the altar and struck him on the head.
The cause of the fall has not been established.
- Who
- Catholic priest Patricio Sánchez, also identified as Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari.
- What
- He died after a wooden crucifix fell from a wall and struck him on the head during Mass.
- When
- Saturday night, October 17, 2026.
- Where
- Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- Why
- The reason the crucifix fell is not known.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A crucifix fell on Sánchez during a livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil published a notice announcing Sánchez’s death.
Footage of the incident went viral on social media.
- Priest
- Patricio Sánchez; also named Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari
- Location
- Perpetuo Socorro Church, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Date
- Saturday night, October 17, 2026
- Incident
- A heavy wooden crucifix fell from the wall above the altar and hit Sánchez on the head
- Cause
- Not known
8 sources
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What people are saying
Father, Father! Call an ambulance!
Pastor, Pastor ... call an ambulance!