A church service in Guayaquil, Ecuador, turned tragic when a large wooden cross fell on a priest during a livestreamed Mass. The priest later died, leaving the local Catholic community in mourning.
Cross Falls During Live Mass
A priest in Ecuador died after a heavy wooden cross fell on him while he was celebrating Mass on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The incident took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil. The ceremony was being streamed live on social media when the cross suddenly came loose from the wall and struck the priest.
Priest Identified as Patricio Sánchez Molinari
The priest was identified as Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, who served as the parish priest at the church. He was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists.
The shocking moment was captured on the livestream, and footage of the incident spread online, leaving viewers deeply upset.
Church Confirms His Death
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in an official statement. It expressed condolences to his religious community, family members and friends, and called on the faithful to pray for him.
The news prompted messages of grief from members of the Catholic community who remembered the priest and his service to the church.
Cause of the Accident Still Unknown
Authorities have not yet confirmed why the heavy wooden cross came loose from the wall. It remains unclear whether there were any earlier problems with the structure.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of heavy fixtures inside places of worship, especially those positioned above areas where priests and worshippers gather.
Tragedy During a Moment of Prayer
What began as a regular religious service ended in tragedy, with the incident unfolding in front of people watching online. The priest’s death has left the church community grieving as questions remain about what caused the cross to fall.