FALLING CRUCIFIX KILLS PRIEST DURING ECUADOR MASS

Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during a live-streamed Catholic Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on 17 October 2026. Footage from Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church shows the cross detaching from the wall behind the altar while he led the service. It struck Sánchez Molinari, who disappeared from the camera’s view as the crucifix landed across the altar area. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death later that day.

The cross fell approximately 27 minutes into the live stream. Sánchez Molinari served as parish priest at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church. He belonged to the Redemptorist congregation, which the archdiocese named in its statement about his death. Video of the fall later circulated online, prompting viewers to post messages of condolence for the priest.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil expressed grief over Sánchez Molinari’s death. In its statement, it said he had “gone to the Father's house”. The archdiocese offered prayers for his Redemptorist congregation, his family and his friends. Its announcement gave no further details about the circumstances of the cross’s fall or how it had come loose from the wall.