A Catholic priest, Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, has died after a large wooden cross fell on his head while he was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The incident happened on Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church during a service being livestreamed on social media, according to the Associated Press and Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo.
Sánchez Molinari was at the altar when the cross hanging behind him suddenly detached from the wall and struck his head. The AP reported that footage showed “a heavy crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Sánchez on the head as he celebrated Mass.”
The priest did not appear to notice the falling cross, while worshippers cried for help as the broadcast continued.
El Universo reported on Sunday, “Un sacerdote murió tras la caída de una enorme cruz de madera sobre su cabeza” — meaning a priest died after a huge wooden cross fell on his head. The newspaper said worshippers tried to help him and desperately called for an ambulance.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death, identifying him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries, according to the AP.
The Archdiocese also expressed condolences to the Redemptorist community, his family and friends. Sánchez Molinari previously served for several years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish, which also mourned his death.
Authorities had not officially established why the cross fell, and the AP reported that local officials had not commented on the incident.
