Priest Killed by Falling Crucifix During Live Mass Stream

A tragic accident killed a priest while he led Mass live on social media. Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was standing at the altar when an enormous crucifix fell straight down onto his head. The incident happened Saturday at the Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city.

The cross hung high on the wall behind him for about twenty-seven minutes before it suddenly came loose. It tilted forward and dropped directly on Sanchez Molinari while he was streaming. He was knocked below the altar and vanished from the camera view immediately after impact.

Parishioners reacted instantly with shock and panic. The livestream captured their screams as they shouted in agony and begged for help. A woman repeatedly cried out "Padre!" before telling others to call an ambulance. Several people then ran toward the altar to try to assist him, but it was too late.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death on Sunday. They issued a statement saying their dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari has departed for the Father's House to enjoy His presence and glory. The message ended with a traditional Latin prayer for the dead that asks for eternal rest and perpetual light.

Officials did not explain what caused the cross to fall or if an investigation is underway. They also did not say whether he died instantly from the blow or passed away later in a hospital. Sanchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the Redemptorists. This group was founded by Saint Alphonsus Liguori in 1732 and mostly serves poor and isolated communities around the world.

The Vatican lists about 4,500 members within this congregation, most of whom are priests. Their motto comes from Psalm 130:7 and reads "With Him there is plentiful redemption." Social media users flooded his page with messages of heartbreak after the stream went down. One person called him a great priest and friend who was a true missionary of Christ. Another wrote that he cannot believe it happened and asked God to hold him in holy glory. A third shared their profound sadness over such an unexpected loss, noting how much guidance he offered before leaving them.