A Catholic priest in Ecuador, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, has died after a large crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in Guayaquil. The incident occurred on Saturday, 17 October 2026, during a religious service that was being livestreamed online. The sudden collapse interrupted the service and left worshippers scrambling to help the priest. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed his death.
Father Sánchez Molinari was serving as parish priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also known as Perpetuo Socorro, in the city’s Central Vicariate. Footage of the service showed him conducting Mass at the altar when the heavy crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly detached and struck him. The incident was captured by the church’s livestream and subsequently circulated on social media.
Following the impact, members of the congregation could be heard shouting for help and calling for an ambulance as the broadcast continued. Reports said worshippers attempted to assist the priest after the crucifix fell. The incident occurred approximately 27 minutes into the service, according to reports, although details surrounding the immediate response and the exact circumstances of his death remain limited.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a statement released on Sunday, expressing grief over the loss. The statement said Father Sánchez Molinari had served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and offered prayers for the repose of his soul. The archdiocese also expressed solidarity with his religious community, relatives and friends.
Father Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order commonly known as the Redemptorists. The cause of the crucifix’s collapse has not been officially established, and authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of the incident. His death has prompted mourning among members of the local Catholic community and viewers who witnessed the event through the livestream.
