Falling crucifix kills priest during live-streamed mass in Ecuador
Por Agencies — South China Morning Post – News feed
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Footage shows a crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar, striking Patricio Sanchez on the head. He did not appear to see it falling
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Agencies Published: 4:13am, 19 Oct 2026
A Catholic priest died on Saturday when a wooden crucifix fell from a wall and crushed him against the pulpit as he celebrated mass in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil.
“Father, Father! Call an ambulance!” people at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church could be heard shouting just before a live-streamed broadcast cuts out.
The footage of the service shows a heavy crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Patricio Sanchez on the head. He did not appear to see it falling.
The graphic footage went viral on Sunday on social media and was widely carried by news outlets.
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