GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador, 19 October 2026** — A Catholic priest died after a large wooden crucifix fell onto him while he was celebrating Mass at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday evening, 17 October.
The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was conducting the service in front of worshippers when the crucifix above the altar came loose and struck him. The ceremony was being livestreamed, capturing the incident and the congregation’s response.
According to Ecuadorian broadcaster Ecuavisa, worshippers rushed to assist the priest and called for an ambulance. Police forensic personnel later attended the church, which is located in the city’s south-central area.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez’s death in a statement, expressing condolences to his family and calling on the faithful to pray for him.
Footage of the incident subsequently circulated on social media. The death was also reported by the Associated Press.
The cause of the crucifix’s collapse remained unclear in reports published on Sunday. No official explanation had been announced regarding whether its condition or mounting contributed to the incident.
