Priest killed as he’s struck on the head by falling crucifix in Ecuador

19 Oct 2026 • 3:34 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Priest killed as he’s struck on the head by falling crucifix in Ecuador

  • Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday after a heavy crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
  • Footage showed the crucifix detaching from the wall behind the altar and striking the priest on the back of his head while he faced the congregation.
  • Distressed parishioners called for an ambulance, but emergency responders were unable to revive him at the scene.
  • The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death and announced that a Eucharist in his memory would be held on Sunday evening.
  • Local authorities have not yet commented on the incident, and it remains unclear what caused the crucifix to fall.

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