A Catholic priest has died in Ecuador after a heavy wooden cross fell on him during Mass. The service was being streamed live on social media.
Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass on Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil. The Associated Press and Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo reported the incident on Sunday.
How It Happened
The priest was standing at the altar when the cross hanging behind him came loose. It struck him on the head.
The Associated Press said footage of the service showed the heavy crucifix pulling away from the wall above the altar. The priest did not seem to notice it falling.
Worshippers cried out for help as the broadcast continued. According to El Universo, they rushed to assist him and desperately called for an ambulance. The cross came down during a prayer.
Church Reacts
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death. It said he belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order. The AP said the congregation was founded in 1732 and is present in 80 countries.
The Archdiocese expressed solidarity and sent condolences to the Redemptorist community, as well as the priest’s family and friends.
El Universo reported that he had earlier served for several years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish. The parish also mourned his death.
Cause Still Unclear
Reports so far have not established why the cross came loose. Local authorities had not commented on the incident, according to the AP.
