A Catholic priest has died after a large wooden crucifix fell from a church wall and crushed him against the pulpit while he was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Father Patricio Sanchez died on Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church after the crucifix reportedly fell on him during the religious service.
The incident was captured during a livestream of the Mass, with worshippers heard desperately calling for help moments before the broadcast abruptly ended.
“Father, Father! Call an ambulance!” congregants could be heard shouting as they rushed to respond to the emergency.
The footage, which shows the moments surrounding the accident, circulated widely on social media on Sunday and was subsequently carried by several news outlets.
The tragic incident shocked members of the Catholic community, particularly those who had gathered for the service or were following the Mass online.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a statement, expressing its condolences and support for his family, friends and members of the congregation.
The archdiocese said it shared in the grief of those affected by the loss, extending its “solidarity, affection and love” to his loved ones.
Father Sanchez’s death has drawn attention to the unexpected circumstances in which the religious leader lost his life while carrying out his pastoral duties.
The crucifix, a central symbol of Christian faith depicting Jesus Christ on the cross, reportedly detached from its position on the wall before falling onto the priest as he stood at the pulpit.
Further details about what caused the wooden structure to fall were not immediately available.
The incident occurred during a Mass at the church in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and a major commercial centre.
The sudden interruption of the livestream captured the urgency of the congregation’s response, as those present called for an ambulance in an attempt to secure emergency assistance.
The Archdiocese’s statement focused on mourning the priest and offering support to those grieving his death.
The circumstances surrounding the accident may require further examination to establish what caused the crucifix to fall.
Father Sanchez’s death has left members of the church community mourning a priest who died while celebrating one of the central services of the Catholic faith.
