Christian World | A 53-year-old priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass

ACW | October 20, 2026 — Redemptorist Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was killed on Saturday, October 17, when a large crucifix fell on him during Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, the National Catholic Reporter reported.

According to the report, the priest was standing behind the altar when the crucifix tipped forward and struck him on the head. Congregants shouted "Padre!" as they rushed to help. It is not yet clear why the crucifix fell.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement on its Facebook page the same day. The livestream of the incident spread widely on social media, and the parish removed the original video because of its sensitive content.

CBS News and CNN also reported the incident. A memorial Mass was held on October 18, the National Catholic Reporter said.

Background: Fr. Sánchez had previously served as pastor of San Lorenzo de Vinces Parish, about 105 kilometres (65 miles) north of Guayaquil, according to the National Catholic Reporter. In his final homily, quoted by the newspaper El Universo, he said: "God should come first: before money, before work, and before the activities of our family and our home."

Why it matters: The death happened in front of worshippers and livestream viewers and has left Ecuador's Catholic community in mourning. The San Lorenzo parish said the Redemptorist family is praying for the repose of his soul.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: National Catholic Reporter — Priest in Ecuador, 53, struck and killed by falling crucifix during Mass; CBS News; CNN

Photo: OSV News / Courtesy of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Guayaquil