- Priest died when crucifix fell during live Mass.
- Incident occurred at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil.
- Archdiocese confirmed Father Molinari's death, community mourns.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at a church in Guayaquil when a large wooden crucifix reportedly detached from the wall and struck him. A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a large wooden cross fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in the city of Guayaquil. The tragic incident was captured during a live-streamed service, leaving worshippers and viewers shocked.
The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, was serving as parish priest at the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil. According to media reports, the accident occurred on Saturday, while the daily Mass was being broadcast online.
🇪🇨 Muere un sacerdote en Guayaquil, Ecuador, tras caerle encima la cruz del altar durante una misa. https://t.co/3u1LuQWfmO
— Alerta Mundial (@AlertaMundoNews) October 18, 2026
Cross Falls During Live Broadcast
According to local media reports, the incident occurred approximately 27 minutes into the live stream. The large crucifix mounted on the wall behind the priest reportedly came loose and fell onto him as he conducted the religious service.
People inside the church rushed to assist the priest following the incident. The shocking moment was captured on the broadcast, and footage subsequently circulated on social media. The precise circumstances that caused the cross to detach from the wall have not been officially established.
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Archdiocese Confirms Priest’s Death
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Molinari's death in an official statement issued Saturday. The announcement expressed condolences to his religious community, family members and friends.
The priest was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious congregation with an international presence.
Following the announcement, tributes and messages of condolence appeared on social media, with members of the community mourning the loss of the priest.
Questions Remain Over the Accident
The incident has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the heavy wooden structure. However, authorities and church officials have not publicly established what caused the crucifix to fall.
Further details about the accident and any potential investigation had not been confirmed in the reports available at the time of writing.
The death of Father Sánchez Molinari has left the local Catholic community grieving as it remembers the priest and his service to the parish.