By Habeeb Ibrahim
A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large wooden cross fell on his head while he was celebrating Mass at a church in the city of Guayaquil.
The priest, identified as Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, was at the altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Saturday when the cross hanging behind him became detached and struck him.
The incident occurred during a Mass being livestreamed on social media, leaving worshippers scrambling to help the priest as the broadcast continued.
According to reports by the Associated Press and Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo on Sunday, footage of the service captured the moment the heavy crucifix fell from the wall above the altar and hit Sánchez Molinari on the head.
The priest reportedly did not appear to notice the cross falling, while worshippers cried for help and attempted to assist him. Those present also called for an ambulance.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed his death, identifying him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.
The archdiocese expressed condolences to the Redemptorist community, as well as the priest’s family and friends, following the incident.
Sánchez Molinari had previously served for several years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish, which also mourned his death, according to El Universo.
As of the time of reporting, the circumstances surrounding the detachment of the cross had not been officially established. Local authorities had also not publicly commented on the incident, according to the Associated Press.
The incident has drawn attention because the fatal accident was captured during a religious service being broadcast live online, with worshippers seen rushing to assist the priest after the cross fell.
