A Catholic priest has died after a massive wooden crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Guayaquil, Ecuador.The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a religious service that was being broadcast live on social media.
The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was officiating at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church when the heavy crucifix suddenly detached from the wall behind the altar. The structure struck him on the head, causing injuries that resulted in his death.
Footage from the livestream showed the crucifix collapsing approximately 27 minutes into the ceremony. Worshippers screamed as the structure fell, while several members of the congregation rushed forward to assist the priest and called for emergency medical assistance.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed the death of Father Sánchez Molinari in an official statement. The announcement was signed by Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera, the Archbishop of Guayaquil, who expressed condolences to the priest’s family, friends and religious community.
Father Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists. He served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, where the fatal accident occurred.
The Redemptorists are an international Catholic religious congregation founded in 1732 by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. The congregation is known for its missionary activities, parish ministry and religious outreach in communities across the world.
The priest’s death has prompted expressions of grief from Catholic communities in Ecuador, including the parish of San Lorenzo in Vinces, where he previously served. Members of the religious community have paid tribute to his pastoral service following the announcement of his death.
The cause of the crucifix’s collapse remains unknown, with no official explanation provided about how the structure became detached from the church wall. Local authorities had not publicly commented on the circumstances of the accident as of Sunday, October 18, while the church continued to mourn the death of its priest.
