A Catholic priest in Ecuador was killed after a large crucifix toppled over onto his head during a livestreamed Mass.
Shocking video shows the moment parish priest Father Sánchez Molinari was crushed by the huge cross as he addressed parishioners both in his church and via a live stream on Saturday from his church in the country’s largest city, Guayaquil.
Around half an hour into Mass, the heavy wooden cross mounted behind him on the wall above the altar fell on top of him.
“Father, Father… call an ambulance”, a female member of the congregation is heard screaming in the video.
More worshippers were heard screaming for help as the live broadcast continued on social media.
Emergency services were scrambled to Perpetuo Socorro Church, but the priest was declared dead later that same day.
“We announce that our beloved Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, who served as parish priest of the Perpetual Help church in the Central Vicariate, has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory,” the church said in a statement.
Father Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.
It is unclear what caused the heavy crucifix to fall from the wall, and church officials haven’t publicly provided an explanation for the incident.
With Post wires.
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