Ecuador priest dies after crucifix falls during livestreamed Mass

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large crucifix fell and struck him during a livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on October 17, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed. The incident occurred at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, where Sánchez Molinari served as parish priest. Accounts describing the livestream say the crucifix fell from behind the altar about 27 minutes into the service. The recording showed the fall and worshippers reacting, according to reports of the video. The archdiocese announced the priest’s death in a statement and offered condolences to the Redemptorist community, his relatives and friends. It did not describe the circumstances of the incident or provide a medical account. The statement also did not announce a funeral date. Reports said the livestream was shared on social media after the incident. However, the available accounts do not establish the precise timing of Sánchez Molinari’s death, the injuries he suffered or what treatment he may have received. One account said emergency responders arrived, but the archdiocese did not confirm those details. The reason the crucifix detached has not been established. The...