The key facts

  • Priest Patricio Sánchez died when a cross fell from the wall behind the altar during a Mass in Guayaquil on Saturday evening
  • The service was broadcast live on social media, and the moment of the fall was captured on video
  • The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the death; a memorial Mass was held on Sunday

Death during a service

Ecuadorian priest Patricio Sánchez died on Saturday evening when a large cross fell on him during Mass at a church in Guayaquil. According to Euronews, the cross was mounted on the wall behind the altar and came loose at the moment Sánchez was addressing the congregation.

Broadcast recording

The service was streamed live on social media, and the moment the cross fell was captured on the recording. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed the priest's death and expressed condolences to the religious congregation to which he belonged.

Memorial Mass

On Sunday, a memorial Mass was held at the same church, attended by clergy and parishioners.