Father Patricio Sanchez killed when crucifix falls during livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was struck by a large wooden crucifix that fell forward during a livestreamed Mass on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

The incident, which occurred about 27 minutes into the service, was captured on the live broadcast and showed the heavy cross toppling from its wall mount behind the altar and landing on the priest as he addressed worshippers. Congregants can be heard shouting, “Father, Father … call an ambulance,” while rushing to his side.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a statement posted to social media, noting that he had passed into God’s presence and offering prayers for his soul. The statement included a traditional Latin prayer for eternal rest and expressed condolences to his family and Redemptorist community.

Father Sánchez Molinari, a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, had served as the parish priest of the central vicariate’s Perpetual Help Church. Earlier in his ministry, he worked in Vinces, Los Ríos Province, and regularly streamed his Masses on social media platforms.

Church officials have not provided an explanation for why the crucifix collapsed. Reports indicate that the cause of the failure—whether structural damage, faulty fittings, or another factor—remains unknown, and no investigative findings have been released as of Sunday.

Authorities and church leaders are expected to examine the mounting hardware and the surrounding wall to determine how the accident occurred and to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Archdiocese said it would review safety protocols for liturgical furnishings, especially those in locations that host livestreamed services.