Guayaquil: A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a large crucifix fell on his head during a livestreamed Mass at a church in Guayaquil. Shortly after he talked on death and the value of spending time with God and loved ones, the accident happened.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, died on Saturday, according to the Archdiocese of Guayaquil.
During the online broadcast, the incident was recorded. The crucifix hanging behind the priest suddenly detached and struck him as he stood near the altar. He did not get up afterwards. Parishioners were heard screaming and rushing to help him while emergency services were called. However, he was declared dead the same day.
Earlier in his sermon, Molinari had urged worshippers to spend less time scrolling on their phones and focus more on their relationship with God and their loved ones.
He reflected on the uncertainty of life, reminding the congregation that everyone would eventually die and encouraging them to give greater importance to meaningful moments.
The Archdiocese expressed grief over his death and announced a special Eucharistic service in his memory.
The exact circumstances that caused the heavy crucifix to fall remain unclear. Church authorities have not publicly disclosed the cause of the accident.