Skip to main content
CadNews - Comparative News Analysis
Topics
Sign in
Back to brief

World · October 18, 2026

Horrific moment priest killed by falling crucifix during livestreamed Mass

4 sources →

Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died on Saturday after a large wooden crucifix fell from a wall behind the altar and struck him during a livestreamed Mass. The incident occurred at the Church of Perpetual Relief (Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro) while the priest was facing the congregation. Despite worshippers rushing to his aid and calling for emergency services, he was pronounced dead later that day. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his passing, though the cause of the crucifix's fall remains under investigation.

Read the original coverage

Reported across the spectrum

  • The victim was Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari.
  • The incident occurred during a livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
  • A large wooden crucifix fell from the wall behind the altar and struck the priest's head.
  • The priest was facing the congregation and did not see the crucifix falling.
  • Worshippers were heard screaming and seen rushing to help the priest in the video.
  • The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest's death.
  • The cause of the crucifix falling is currently unknown.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The incident occurred approximately 30 minutes into the Mass.
  • The priest was preparing Communion when the accident happened.
  • The accident occurred just one day after the anniversary of the priest's ordination.
  • Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists).
  • The priest previously served at San Lorenzo in Vinces in the Los Ríos province.

About these outlets

CadNews does not determine absolute truth or endorse political viewpoints. It compares publicly available reporting, identifies shared facts, highlights framing differences, and flags uncertainty.