A Catholic priest has died after a large wooden crucifix fell on his head during a Mass at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in an incident captured on a livestream.
The priest, identified as Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, died on Saturday at the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, according to a statement from the city’s archdiocese published on Facebook on Monday.
Video of the incident shows Sánchez leading the religious service when a large wooden cross standing on the altar behind him suddenly falls. The crucifix strikes him on the head, prompting cries from members of the congregation.
Several people then rush towards the priest as the service is interrupted. The incident has drawn attention because the livestream captured the moment the cross fell during the ceremony.
According to CNN affiliate Ecuavisa, Sánchez had been preparing to lead a wedding ceremony when the tragedy occurred. However, police had not publicly commented on the incident at the time of the report.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later held a Eucharistic celebration in the priest’s memory on Sunday. Cardinal Luis Cabrera, the archbishop of Guayaquil, led the service as members of the Catholic community gathered to mourn the deceased priest.
In its statement, the archdiocese thanked people who had expressed condolences and offered prayers following Sánchez’s death.
“We are grateful for all of the condolences from around the world, and especially for your prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of Patricio Sánchez,” the statement said.
The incident has left members of the church community grieving the loss of a priest who died while carrying out his religious duties. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the accident and any subsequent investigation had not been made public in the report.
