Priest killed as wooden crucifix topples during livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during a Mass livestreamed from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil on Saturday, Oct 17.

What Happened

The cross, mounted above the altar, detached roughly 27 minutes after the service began. The livestream on social media captured the heavy wood striking the priest and congregants shouting “Help!” while trying to lift the fallen piece. He was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead. The video quickly spread online, drawing many views.

Reaction

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the death in a Sunday post, calling him a beloved priest of the Central Vicariate. The message included the prayer “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord” and asked the faithful to pray for him. The statement did not specify whether he died on the spot or after medical treatment. Parishioners who attempted to aid him were left in shock.

Context

Officials have not explained why the crucifix collapsed; possibilities include structural damage or faulty fittings, but no investigation details are available. Father Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Redemptorist order founded in 1732 by St Alphonsus Liguori.