A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a massive cross fell on him during a church service that was being broadcast online. Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was struck down at the altar as horrified worshippers looked on.
Fatal accident at the altar
The incident took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in the port city of Guayaquil. Livestream footage of the tragic moment has since gone viral on social media.
In the clip, the parish priest can be seen addressing his congregation from the altar when the heavy crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly detaches without warning and crashes directly onto him. Father Sanchez Molinari immediately vanished from view under the weight of the impact, leaving the giant cross lying across the altar area as onlookers gasped.
Chaos and emergency response
Chaos erupted in the church following the blow, with one distraught woman heard desperately screaming: "Father, Father...call an ambulance." Paramedics rushed to the scene, but emergency medical services were unable to save the clergyman's life.
The cause of the sudden collapse remains a mystery, with church authorities yet to issue an official explanation.
Church confirms death
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil formally confirmed the clergyman's death in a statement shared on social media on Sunday. Church officials wrote: "We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father's House to rejoice in His presence and glory."
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen," the post added. Father Sanchez Molinari had served as parish priest at the church and was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
