The incident occurred on Saturday during a religious service that was being livestreamed on social media, according to the Associated Press (AP) and Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo.
Sánchez Molinari was at the altar when the heavy crucifix hanging behind him became detached from the wall and struck him on the head.
Footage of the service reportedly captured the moment the cross fell on the priest as he continued celebrating Mass. According to the AP, the priest did not appear to notice the falling crucifix, while worshippers could be heard crying for help as the livestream continued.
El Universo reported that members of the congregation rushed to assist the priest and desperately called for an ambulance following the incident.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his d+eath, identifying him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order also known as the Redemptorists.
The archdiocese expressed its condolences to the Redemptorist community, as well as the priest’s family and friends, following the tragedy.
Sánchez Molinari had previously served for several years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish, which also mourned his passing.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including what caused the heavy wooden cross to detach from the wall, had not been officially established in the reports available at the time of publication.
The incident has drawn attention after footage of the livestreamed Mass captured the moment the crucifix fell, leaving worshippers scrambling to help the priest.
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