Falling crucifix kills priest during Mass in Ecuador

A Catholic priest named Patricio Sanchez died on Saturday when a crucifix fell from a wall and struck him during Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. According to the New Straits Times and the South China Morning Post, the wooden crucifix fell and crushed him against the pulpit. The Hindustan Times - World News reports the crucifix was large, came loose from the wall behind him, and struck the back of his head around the 27th minute of a livestreamed broadcast. The priest was facing the congregation and did not appear to see the object falling.

The incident occurred at a church identified by the New Straits Times and the South China Morning Post as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, while the Hindustan Times - World News notes the church is also called the Church of Perpetual Relief of the Central Vicariate. The South China Morning Post states Sanchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil released a statement mourning the death and expressing solidarity with his family and friends. Footage of the accident went viral on social media on Sunday. While the South China Morning Post notes local authorities have not commented, the Hindustan Times - World News reports that the Mass was being shown live from the priest's own profile.

Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times, Hindustan Times - World News, South China Morning Post — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.