{
  "id": 15423170,
  "title": "Catholic priest dies after statue of Jesus falls on him during mass",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/catholic-priest-dies-after-statue-of-jesus-falls-on-him-during-mass",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T14:15:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/catholic-priest-dies-after-statue-of-jesus-falls-on-him-during-mass/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a priest from Ecuador, passed away after a large crucifix fell on him during a mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil. The incident, which was captured on livestream, occurred on Saturday. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Sánchez Molinari's death, stating that he had died and gone to \"the Father's House to rejoice in His presence and glory.\" The Archdiocese has not yet released an official explanation for the cause of the crucifix's collapse, whether it was due to structural damage or faulty fittings. Father Sánchez Molinari, who belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), served as the parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church. The Redemptorists were founded in 1732 by Italian St. Alphonsus Liguori and have focused on serving poor, isolated communities. Father Sánchez Molinari was assigned to downtown Guayaquil and had previously worked in Vinces, Los Ríos Province. He was known for livestreaming his masses from his social media profiles and YouTube channel.",
  "summary": "A Catholic priest died after a large crucifix fell on top of him while he was leading a mass in Ecuador that was being livestreamed at the time. Footage shared widely on social media shows Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari addressing his congregation in Guayaquil on Saturday before the crucifix came tumbling down on top of him and striking him in […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died during mass in Ecuador.",
    "Large crucifix fell on him, livestreamed the incident.",
    "Redemptorists priest served Guayaquil parish, known for livestreaming masses."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Priest Dies After Statue of Jesus Falls On Him During Mass Livestream",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/priest-dies-after-statue-of-jesus-falls-on-him-during-mass-livestream",
        "published": "2026-10-18T09:38:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Priest dies after statue of Jesus falls on him during mass livestream",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/priest-dies-after-statue-of-jesus-falls-on-him-during-mass-livestream-15417069",
        "published": "2026-10-18T13:11:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}