Catholic priest dies as crucifix falls on him during Mass

A Catholic priest has died after a crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was conducting the service on Saturday when the incident occurred.

The ceremony was being streamed live, with footage of the incident later circulating widely on social media.

Videos showed Molinari addressing worshippers inside the church before the crucifix fell on him, disrupting the religious service.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a statement published on its social media platforms on Sunday.

The archdiocese said Molinari served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate.

“We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory,” the statement read.

The archdiocese prayed for the repose of his soul, saying, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”