A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil. The tragic incident was captured during a livestream of the service.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the church’s parish priest, reportedly died on Saturday, October 17, 2026, after the wooden crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly came loose and struck him.
Footage of the incident, which has since circulated widely on social media, shows the priest addressing the congregation moments before the cross falls on him. Worshippers are then seen rushing to his aid.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement issued on Saturday, expressing condolences to his family, friends and the Redemptorist community.
The archdiocese identified Father Sánchez Molinari as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in the Central Vicariate and offered prayers for the repose of his soul.
He was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order commonly known as the Redemptorists.
The incident has drawn attention online, with footage of the tragedy prompting reactions from viewers.
Watch the video below:
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦
🇪🇨 Church Priest Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large wooden cross fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The incident was captured during a live broadcast. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death.
#EcuadorNews #Guayaquil #Church
— Sanjay Singh (@HeySanjaySingh) October 18, 2026
