Ecuadorian Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls During Livestreamed Mass

A Catholic priest died Saturday evening in Guayaquil, Ecuador, after a large wooden crucifix detached from a church wall and struck him during a Mass broadcast live on social media. The Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, was addressing his congregation when the accident occurred.

Video footage of the service showed Sánchez Molinari standing near the altar as the crucifix fell from the wall behind him. He appeared unaware of the falling object before it struck him, causing him to collapse. The footage was verified by The New York Times, while Euronews also reported on the incident.

Several parishioners could be heard shouting in shock before rushing toward the altar to assist the priest. The livestream ended shortly afterward, and the available footage did not establish what caused the crucifix to come loose.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari's death in a statement published on social media Sunday. The announcement expressed the church's religious hope for his eternal rest, while mourners gathered at the parish for a memorial service that evening.

During the service, Sánchez Molinari had reflected on mortality and how people spend their time. His remarks came just minutes before the accident, according to footage of the livestream reviewed by The New York Times.

Addressing the congregation, the priest urged people to devote less time to distractions such as television and scrolling on their phones and more time to God and their loved ones.

"Let us pray to the Lord" the Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari said as he began the prayer immediately before the crucifix fell.

In his earlier sermon, Sánchez Molinari emphasized the importance of relationships, family and faith while reflecting on the certainty of death.

"All of us are going to die," the Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari said.

He continued by contrasting time spent on everyday distractions with time devoted to spiritual life and close relationships.

"Sometimes the time we have spent on things has far less meaning than the time we spend with God, the quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children and families. That is the time best spent." the Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari said.

The Archdiocese's announcement prompted an outpouring of mourning among members of the religious community. Clergy and parishioners attended the memorial Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Sunday evening, according to reports by The New York Times and Euronews.

The cause of the crucifix's fall remained unclear in the reports published by the two outlets. Local authorities had not immediately responded to requests for comment cited by The New York Times.