Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador
The death of parish priest Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari in Guayaquil has been confirmed by the archdiocese after a falling crucifix struck him during a livestreamed service.
By Hushread Stories, written with AI from 15 outlets · First published 18 Oct 2026
In brief
- Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a wooden crucifix fell on him while he celebrated Mass.
- The incident happened at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro church in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil.
- The service was being livestreamed on social media when the crucifix fell and struck the priest.
- People at the church called for an ambulance, and the Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed his death.
- Reports differ on whether the incident occurred on Saturday or Sunday, and the cause remains unexplained.
Timeline · 4 moments
Sunday account conflicts with reports placing incident Saturday
La Nacion ↗Archdiocese confirmation of priest's death is reported
ABC ↗Wooden crucifix falls from wall and strikes priest
South China Morning Post ↗Priest celebrates evening Mass at Guayaquil church
El Colombiano | noticias de Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia y el mundo. ↗How it started
Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro church in Guayaquil when a wooden crucifix fell on him. He was the church's parish priest, according to ABC.
The service was being broadcast live on social media, nu.nl reported. The livestream captured the fatal incident.
How it unfolded
El Colombiano placed the incident on the evening of Saturday, October 17, while Sánchez Molinari was celebrating the Eucharist. Infobae also reported that he died on Saturday during the daily livestreamed Mass.
The crucifix fell from a wall and crushed him against the pulpit, according to South China Morning Post. Its report described people at the church calling for an ambulance in the immediate aftermath.
Reports published on October 18 differed on the day of the incident. La Nacion said it happened on Sunday, rather than Saturday. The supplied coverage does not resolve that discrepancy.
Where it stands
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari's death, ABC reported on October 18. NDTV Top Stories identified him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, as well as the parish priest.
The supplied reports do not establish why the crucifix came loose or describe any announced investigation. They also provide no details about emergency treatment.
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