Catholic priest killed as crucifix falls during live Mass

By Tolulope Oke

A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large wooden crucifix mounted behind the altar fell on him while he was leading a livestreamed Mass.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was addressing worshippers at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil on Saturday when the crucifix suddenly came loose and toppled forward.

According to reports, the incident occurred about 27 minutes into the online broadcast.

Footage captured the cross striking Sánchez Molinari near the altar, abruptly halting the service as people inside the church rushed to help.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement posted on Instagram on Sunday.

It mourned the parish priest and offered condolences to his loved ones and members of the religious community.

Sánchez Molinari was pastor of the church and belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order.

The cause of the collapse remained unclear. Church officials had not publicly explained why the heavy crucifix detached from the wall.