Tragedy as huge wooden cross falls on Catholic priest, kills him during mass

A Catholic priest, Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, has died after a large wooden cross fell on him while celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

According to the PUNCH Online, the incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, during a service livestreamed on social media.

The priest was officiating at the altar when the heavy crucifix reportedly detached from the wall and struck his head.

Footage showed worshippers rushing to assist him while others called for emergency medical assistance.

Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo reported: “Un sacerdote murió tras la caída de una enorme cruz de madera sobre su cabeza,” meaning a priest died after a huge wooden cross fell on his head.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed the priest’s death and expressed condolences to his family and religious community.

Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.

The cause of the cross’s detachment remains unknown, with authorities yet to provide an official explanation.