Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inStuti MishraMonday 19 October 2026 08:34 BST(Getty/iStock)Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday after a heavy crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.Footage showed the crucifix detaching from the wall behind the altar and striking the priest on the back of his head while he faced the congregation.Distressed parishioners called for an ambulance, but emergency responders were unable to revive him at the scene.The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death and announced that a Eucharist in his memory would be held on Sunday evening.Local authorities have not yet commented on the incident, and it remains unclear what caused the crucifix to fall.In fullFalling crucifix kills Ecuador priest during livestreamed church serviceMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in