The family of one Catholic priest who died after a huge the crucifix has fallen on him during a mass broadcast live in Ecuador spoke out, calling for a investigation in tragedy.
On October 17, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari While leading a service at a church in Guayaquil, the heavy wooden cross suddenly came crashing down on his head.
Highlights
The family of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari has called for an investigation after a huge wooden crucifix fell on him.
His relative, Patricio León, said the family wanted authorities to investigate how the crucifix fell.
A preliminary police assessment classified the incident as accidental.
The tragic incident occurred moments after he delivered a sermon about death and the importance of spending time with God and loved ones.
Family of priest who died during livestream mass wants authorities to investigate his death
Archdiocese of Guayaquil
Father Molinari celebrated mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also known as Perpetuo Socorro Church, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as reported by Bored panda.
The service was being broadcast live when a large wooden crucifix hanging on the wall behind the altar suddenly came loose and struck him in the head.
The priest fell to the ground as shocked worshipers rushed to help him.
Emergency services were called, but Molinari died following impact. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death.
His family is now calling on authorities to establish exactly how the heavy religious object fell and whether anyone could be held responsible.
Archdiocese of Guayaquil
According to the Ecuadorian newspaper Additional, The priest’s relatives gathered in Cuenca, his hometown, for his vigil. His relative, Patricio León, spoke to reporters about the family’s demands for answers.
“Maybe it’s God’s will, but there should be an investigation in Guayaquil,” León said.
Although the family acknowledged that the tragedy could be seen through their faith, they still want investigators to examine the circumstances of his death.
The Molinari family’s claims also raise questions about how the crucifix was installed
Redemptorist Communications and Dublin Province
The central question remains how such a large wooden crucifix came to be detached from the church wall.
A preliminary assessment by the Ecuadorian National Police described the passage as accidental, attributing it to a violent blow.
However, this initial assessment did not answer all the questions about what caused the object to fall.
According to CommerceSpecialists said prosecutors should examine whether negligence played a role. Depending on what the investigation establishes, the circumstances could raise the question of culpable homicide, which involves ad*ath caused by negligence.
Archdiocese of Guayaquil
Investigators are expected to examine the crucifix’s mountings, how it was installed and whether the measurements used to secure it were sufficient to support its weight.
So far, no technical report explaining the collapse has been published.
The incident was also filmed during the church’s live broadcast. Reports indicate that prosecutors could potentially open an investigation based on the recorded footage without waiting for a formal complaint.
However, there have been no confirmed findings that have determined that the crucifix was improperly installed or that anyone was responsible for its collapse.
Along with the family’s claims, Father Molinari’s haunting words moments before the incident were also revealed.
Archdiocese of Guayaquil
During the livestreamed service, Molinari delivered a sermon and urged the congregation to focus on what really matters rather than getting caught up in trivial matters.
“Dear brothers and sisters, one day we will all die here too… one day we will all die, and the time we spent on insignificant things will turn out to be much less significant than the time we invested in God,” he said, according to a translation reported by Star of the day.
“The quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children and family – that time is best spent,” he said.
Moments later, the cross came loose from the wall behind him and struck him as he stood near the altar.
After the cross struck the priest, a worshiper called for help as the live stream captured the tragedy.
The accident happened about half an hour after the shift began.
Archdiocese of Guayaquil
The congregation reacted in shock. A woman could be heard screaming, “Father, Father… call an ambulance!”
Others rushed to intervene when emergency services were contacted.
The livestream continued immediately afterward, but the church later deleted the original recording from its social media page.
According to Angelus Newsthe priest died almost immediately after being struck. Emergency services arrived at the church, but he could not be rescued.
The video drew attention to the tragedy, with many viewers focusing on the priest’s final message and others wondering how the crucifix came to be attached to the wall.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced Molinari’s death in a statement signed by Cardinal Luis Cabrera, archbishop of Guayaquil.
Patricio Sánchez/Facebook
The statement describes the priest as having left for his father’s home and expresses his support for his religious community, his parents and his friends.
It reads, in part, that he “departed for the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and his glory.”
The archdiocese also offered prayers for his soul and condolences to those mourning his passing.
On October 18, Church officials shared images of a Eucharistic service held in his memory. The large crucifix involved in the accident was missing from the wall behind the altar, leaving its silhouette visible.
Archdiocese of Guayaquil
During a memorial ceremony, another priest, Father Pedro, spoke of the difficulty of losing a confrere in the ecclesial community, because reported by Bored panda.
“We have to cry, be sad,” he said, according to an Ecuadorian newspaper. The Universe. “It’s not easy, because we are human beings.”
He also addressed the symbolism of the cross, saying, “The symbol of the cross fell upon him. The symbol is not Christ; it is the cross.”
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