Priest dies after cross falls on him in Ecuador; crosses chained in churches

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, died when a large wooden cross fell on his head during a livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The incident took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Afterwards, crosses and statues of Jesus in churches were fixed in place with chains.

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Accident during Mass

Sánchez was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when a large crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall. The priest was facing the congregation when it fell and struck him on the head. Worshippers could be heard screaming and calling for help, and several people rushed to the altar.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death and expressed condolences to his family, friends and fellow clergy. Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic order founded in 1732. A memorial Mass was held at the church the following day.

Second incident and debate

Days later, footage emerged of another priest struck by a large wooden cross inside a church. It shows the priest approaching the cross and trying to move it before it tipped towards him, hit his head and knocked him to the ground. The priest's identity, the church's location and the extent of his injuries could not be confirmed.

The incidents have renewed discussion about the safety of heavy crosses and other religious ornaments mounted where priests and worshippers gather. Video of a priest wearing a helmet during a service, with a chained crucifix on the wall behind him, has also spread; its origin has not been independently established.