News world Ecuador Priest Spoke About Death.
Moments Later, He Died After Cross Fell On HimEcuador Priest Spoke About Death.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, who served as parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil, died on Saturday, October 17, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari died after a large crucifix mounted on the wall behind him detached and fell onto the back of his head during a livestreamed Mass.
Just moments before the cross fell, Molinari was delivering a sermon about the fleeting nature of life, urging attendees to spend time with God and loved ones rather than on their phones.
News world Ecuador Priest Spoke About Death. Moments Later, He Died After Cross Fell On Him
Ecuador Priest Spoke About Death. Moments Later, He Died After Cross Fell On Him
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Last Updated: October 19, 2026, 13:11 IST
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari died in Ecuador after a crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
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Ecuador priest killed after a crucifix falls on his head (Image credit: X/@Osint613)
Moments after he delivered a sermon on the spontaneity of life, a Catholic priest in Ecuador was killed after a large crucifix hanging on a wall behind him fell on the back of his head during a livestreamed Mass, reported the New York Post.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, who served as parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil, died on Saturday, October 17, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced.
The incident was captured on the livestream. However, it was later taken down. Now, a snippet from the clip is circulating online, showing the crucifix suddenly falling onto the priest as he was delivering the sermon.
A priest was killed in Ecuador after a massive cross collapsed on him during services.The incident happened in front of worshippers and was captured on a livestream. https://t.co/0ia3NKTsjG — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 18, 2026
After the crucifix struck him, Molinari did not get back up, sparking concern among the attendees. Moments later, Parishioners could be heard screaming in panic as several rushed to help him and call an ambulance.
First responders arrived at the site, but the priest was declared dead on the spot, according to investigators.
Delivered Sermon On Death
Molinari was delivering a sermon on the fleeting nature of life shortly before the accident. He was reportedly speaking about the words of Jesus.
He urged attendees not to waste their lives scrolling on their mobile phones, but instead devote time to god and their loved ones.
“One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God," he said.
Molinari then began another prayer, asking God to bless those present. Suddenly, the crucifix hanging behind him detached from the wall, falling onto the back of his head.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Molinari’s death in a statement, expressing grief over the loss. A Eucharist in his memory was also organised on Sunday evening
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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 What happened to Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari in Ecuador? Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari died after a large crucifix mounted on the wall behind him detached and fell onto the back of his head during a livestreamed Mass. Where did the fatal crucifix accident take place? The tragic incident occurred at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro) in Guayaquil, Ecuador. What was the priest talking about shortly before the accident? Just moments before the cross fell, Molinari was delivering a sermon about the fleeting nature of life, urging attendees to spend time with God and loved ones rather than on their phones. Powered by Ask News18
About the Author Meemansa Shekhawat Sub-editor A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re... Read More
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First Published: October 19, 2026, 13:10 IST
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