Priest killed by falling crucifix during live streamed Mass

Arquidiócesis de Guayaquil/Facebook

A priest has been killed by a falling crucifix at a church in Ecuador as he performed a mass that was being live streamed online.

Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday at the Perpetuo Socorro church in the city of Guayaquil, southern Ecuador, according to a statement from the city’s archdiocese, published on Facebook on Monday.

Video of the incident shows Sánchez leading the mass when a large wooden cross that was standing on the altar behind him falls over and hits him on the head.

Shouting can be heard from the congregation, and several people enter the frame and rush toward the priest.

On Sunday, the church held a eucharist in memory of Sánchez, led by Cardinal Luis Cabrera, archbishop of Guayaquil.

“We are grateful for all of the condolences from around the world, and especially for your prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of Patricio Sánchez,” the statement reads.

According to CNN affiliate Ecuavisa, the priest was preparing to lead a wedding ceremony when the tragedy occurred.

Police have not commented on the incident so far, Ecuavisa reported.

CNN has reached out to the Archdiocese of Guayaquil for comment.

瓜亚基尔Arquidiócesis de Guayaquil/Facebook

在厄瓜多尔的一座教堂里，一名神父在主持弥撒时被掉落的十字架砸死，当时弥撒正在进行网络直播。

据厄瓜多尔南部瓜亚基尔市总教区周一在 Facebook 上发布的声明称，帕特里西奥·阿尔弗雷多·桑切斯·莫利纳里于周六在瓜亚基尔市的佩尔佩图奥·索科罗教堂去世。

事件视频显示，桑切斯正在主持弥撒，这时他身后祭坛上的一个大木十字架倒了，砸中了他的头部。

可以听到会众的喊叫声，几个人进入画面，冲向神父。

周日，教堂举行了纪念桑切斯的弥撒，由瓜亚基尔大主教路易斯·卡布雷拉枢机主教主持。

声明中写道：“我们感谢来自世界各地的慰问，尤其感谢大家为帕特里西奥·桑切斯的灵魂安息祈祷。”

据 CNN 附属电视台 Ecuavisa 报道，这名牧师当时正准备主持一场婚礼，悲剧就此发生。

据Ecuavisa报道，警方目前尚未对此事件发表评论。

CNN已联系瓜亚基尔总教区寻求置评。