Priest dies after crucifix falls during livestreamed Mass
The gist
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a parish priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The crucifix detached from the wall about 27 minutes in.
How it unfolded
- Oct 17, 2026During a livestreamed Mass, a large wooden crucifix detached from the wall behind the altar and struck Sánchez on the head and back; he collapsed. The incident occurred around 27 minutes into the Mass, shortly after his homily on the fleeting nature of life, and the livestream was cut off.
- Oct 18, 2026The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest's death in a statement on social media.
- Oct 18, 2026The church held a eucharist in memory of Sánchez, led by Cardinal Luis Cabrera, archbishop of Guayaquil.