Priest Killed by Falling Crucifix During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

Developing story. Updated 19:46 UTC, Oct 18, 2026.

A Roman Catholic priest died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during an evening Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, that was being livestreamed to worshippers online.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified the priest as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, known locally as Perpetuo Socorro, in the Central Vicariate. Guayaquil is a coastal city 265 kilometres (164 miles) southwest of the capital, Quito, the Associated Press reported.

The accident happened on Saturday, Oct 17, 2026. About 27 minutes into the broadcast, the heavy crucifix mounted on the wall behind the altar above him came loose and fell forward, striking him on the head as he addressed the congregation. Footage from the livestream shows worshippers screaming for help, with one woman heard calling for an ambulance. People inside the church rushed forward to help him as the broadcast continued.

Emergency services were called to the church, but Father Sánchez Molinari was declared dead later that same day, the New York Post reported. No other injuries were reported in the accounts published on Sunday.

Church confirms death on Sunday

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death on Sunday in a statement posted on social media. The archdiocese said he had "departed to the Father's House to enjoy His presence and His glory," and it joined in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul. It expressed solidarity and affection to the Redemptorist family, his relatives and his friends.

Father Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the Redemptorists, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.

Cause is still unknown

It is not clear why the crucifix came loose. Church officials have not publicly provided an explanation for the fall, and local authorities had not commented on the incident in the reports published on Sunday. No official account has said whether a faulty fitting or structural damage played a part.

Video of the moment has spread widely on social media since Saturday night, bringing tributes from friends, former schoolmates and parishioners who described their shock at what happened during a service many of them were watching live.

Orbit Post will update this story when the archdiocese or local authorities give a confirmed account of why the crucifix fell, or when funeral arrangements are announced.