A priest in Ecuador died Saturday night, Oct. 17, 2026, after a crucifix fell from the wall above the altar and struck him during a livestreamed Mass, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed. The priest, identified as Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was leading the service at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil when the accident happened, according to The Associated Press.
Guayaquil, a coastal city about 265 kilometers (164 miles) southwest of the capital, Quito, is home to the church where the service was taking place. The Mass was being streamed live at the time of the incident, the AP reported.
What Happened During The Livestreamed Mass
The crucifix detached from its position above the altar and fell during the evening service, striking Sánchez on the head. He died as a result of the impact.
Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 that maintains a presence in 80 countries, the AP reported.
Archdiocese Response
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified Sánchez as the priest killed in the accident. On Monday, the archdiocese posted a statement on Facebook addressing the outpouring of support it had received since the incident, according to CNN.
“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 archdiocese said in the statement, as reported by CNN.
Background On The Congregation
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists, has operated for nearly three centuries and carries out religious work across dozens of countries. Sánchez served as a member of the order at the time of his death.
No information has been released about whether anyone else was injured near the altar during the service, and no details on funeral or memorial arrangements have been made public as of Monday.
What’s Next
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil has not announced further details beyond its Monday statement acknowledging condolences from around the world. No information on an investigation into how the crucifix became detached has been released.
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