Ecuador priest dies after crucifix falls on him during livestreamed Mass

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Cleric had spoken about mortality, faith and family moments before fatal accident

Chandigarh: A Roman Catholic priest died in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday after a heavy crucifix fell on his head during a livestreamed Mass, shortly after he spoke about mortality, faith and the importance of spending time with family.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was conducting the service at the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil, a coastal city in southwestern Ecuador, about 265 km from the capital, Quito. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified him as the church’s parish priest.

Footage circulating on social media showed the large crucifix mounted behind the altar coming loose from the wall and striking Sánchez on the back of his head as he faced the congregation, apparently unaware of the falling object.

The livestream captured worshippers rushing to help the priest, while cries for an ambulance were heard in the background. The broadcast continued briefly before cutting off. The video was subsequently taken down.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but first responders were unable to revive Sánchez. Local authorities had not publicly commented on the incident, according to the reports available.

During his sermon, the priest urged worshippers to spend less time scrolling on their mobile phones and devote more time to God and their loved ones, the New York Post reported.

“One day, all of us here will also die and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God,” he had said.

The priest also stressed the importance of relationships, saying, “The quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children and family, that time is the best spent.”

According to the New York Post, the crucifix fell as Sánchez began another prayer and asked God to bless the congregation.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced his death in a statement, saying he “has left to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory”.

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