Catholic Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls on Him During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

GUAYAQUIL, Oct 18: A Catholic priest died after a large crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass in Ecuador, with the tragic incident captured during a livestream of the religious service.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro, was addressing his congregation in the city of Guayaquil on Saturday when the crucifix suddenly came crashing down on him.

Footage shared widely on social media shows the priest conducting the service before the heavy religious structure falls on him, interrupting the Mass.

The incident occurred while the service was being livestreamed, allowing the accident to be captured on camera.

The priest’s death has brought a tragic end to what began as a routine religious service. Further details about the circumstances that caused the crucifix to fall, including whether any structural failure was involved, were not immediately available.

Authorities or church officials are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.