Tragedy As Giant Crucifix Falls On Priest During Mass In Ecuador

A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in Guayaquil, with the service being livestreamed on social media.

The incident occurred on Saturday when Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was addressing worshippers at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in central Guayaquil.

A video of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media, showed the large crucifix suddenly toppling over and striking the priest on the head.

According to Newsweek, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement published on social media on Sunday.

The archdiocese said Sánchez Molinari, who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, had died, describing him as a beloved priest who had gone to the “Father’s House”.

It also offered prayers for his eternal rest.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, as no official explanation has been provided on what caused the crucifix to fall or whether structural damage or faulty fittings contributed to the tragedy.

Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1732 in Italy by Saint Alphonsus Liguori.

The congregation is known for its missionary work, particularly among poor, marginalised and underserved communities.

According to Newsweek, the priest had previously served in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos Province, before being assigned to the parish in central Guayaquil.

He also regularly livestreamed Masses through his social media accounts and YouTube channel.

The incident has drawn widespread attention after footage of the tragedy circulated online, capturing the moment the crucifix fell on the priest during the religious service.