Priest dies after crucifix falls during livestreamed Mass in Ecuador
publishers 46articles 53first reported 18 Oct, 09:38 UTCdeveloping since 18 Oct · 9 editions
A Catholic priest died after a large wooden crucifix fell from a wall during a livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday, October 17.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church when the crucifix detached from the wall above the altar and struck him. The accident occurred about 27 minutes into the service, according to reports citing footage of the broadcast. Worshippers called for an ambulance before the livestream ended.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death in a statement issued Sunday. It identified him as the church’s parish priest in the archdiocese’s Central Vicariate. He was also a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, whose members are known as Redemptorists.
The archdiocese expressed condolences to the Redemptorist community and to Sánchez Molinari’s family and friends. Its statement did not say whether he died at the church or after receiving medical care.
No official explanation has been given for why the crucifix came loose, and authorities have not announced whether an investigation or safety inspection is underway.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 12 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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