Priest dies after statue of Jesus falls on him during mass livestream

A Catholic priest died after a cross fell on top of him while he was performing a mass in Ecuador, which was being livestreamed at the time.

Footage shared widely on social media shows Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro, addressing his congregation in Guayaquil on Saturday before the crucifix came tumbling down on top of him.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil on Sunday confirmed that Father Molinari had died in a post on social media which said: “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.”

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”