Jakarta, ThedailyID — An Ecuadorian priest died after a large wooden cross fell on him during a Mass streamed live on social media on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The incident occurred at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil.
Pastor Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was standing at the altar while preparing for Holy Communion when the cross behind him suddenly toppled forward. The falling structure struck him, turning the service into a scene of panic.
Video footage captured worshippers screaming and rushing toward the priest to help him. A woman could be heard shouting for someone to call an ambulance as people gathered around the altar.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death in a Facebook statement. It identified him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church, which belongs to the Central Vicariate.
“Our beloved priest, Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, has departed for the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and glory,” the archdiocese said in a statement quoted by Fox News.
The tragedy occurred just one day after the archdiocese congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists. According to local media outlet Primicias, he previously served for several years as parish priest of San Lorenzo in Vinces, Los Ríos Province.
The livestream captured both the cross falling and the congregation’s immediate response. However, authorities and church officials had not publicly explained what caused the cross to collapse as of Sunday, October 18.
The incident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the structure’s sudden fall. The church has yet to provide a public explanation of the cause.
