The deceased priest was identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari.
The incident occurred on October 17 at the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, according to media reports.
A video of the incident showed the priest addressing the congregation when the crucifix suddenly fell on him during the service.
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
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a Facebook post.
“We announce that our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR—who served as parish priest of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Central Vicariate—has departed for the Father’s house to enjoy His presence and His glory,” the archdiocese said.
The incident occurred while the Mass was being streamed live, allowing the moment to be captured on video.