A Catholic priest has died after a heavy crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass in a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was leading the service at the Perpetuo Socorro Church on Saturday, October 17, when the large cross mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and struck him on the head.
The tragic incident was captured during the livestreamed service, with worshippers heard screaming and calling for help as several rushed to assist the priest.
The broadcast continued as members of the congregation reacted in shock to the unexpected incident.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a statement released on Sunday, expressing condolences to his family, friends and fellow members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists.
Father Sánchez was a member of the Catholic religious order, which is dedicated to missionary work, preaching and serving communities.
As of the latest reports, the circumstances that caused the heavy crucifix to fall remained unclear, while local authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The priest’s death has sparked grief and shock among members of the Catholic community and people who witnessed the incident online.
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