A Catholic Priest has died after a large crucifix fell from a wall and struck him during a religious service in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday, 17 October 2026, while celebrating Mass at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
The incident occurred during a service being broadcast live online.
According to the Associated Press, the crucifix fell from behind the altar and struck the priest, prompting people attending the service to rush towards him.
Church authorities confirm priest’s death
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Sánchez Molinari’s death and expressed condolences to his family, friends and religious community.
He served as the parish priest at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro and belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists.
The congregation is a Catholic religious order whose members undertake pastoral and missionary work.
Reports of the incident have drawn attention because the service was being livestreamed when the crucifix fell.
Cause of the incident remains unknown
The circumstances that caused the crucifix to become detached have not been publicly established.
No official finding has been identified linking the incident to poor maintenance, faulty installation, structural damage or negligence.
Although footage of the incident has circulated online, it does not establish why the crucifix fell.
Any conclusion about responsibility would require evidence from an appropriate investigation.
Remembering Father Sánchez Molinari
Ecuadorian newspaper El Comercio reported that Father Sánchez Molinari had previously served at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish in Los Ríos province.
Members of that community also expressed sadness following his death.
The newspaper reported that he had marked another anniversary of his priestly ordination on 16 October, the day before the incident.
Parishioners remembered his involvement with young people and educational institutions, as well as his concern for members of the community.
The Archdiocese had not announced funeral arrangements in the information reported by El Comercio on 18 October.
The priest’s death has left his religious community mourning while questions remain about how the crucifix fell during the service.
