A priest in Ecuador was killed when a large wooden cross broke loose from the wall and fell on him during a service. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Mollinari was leading prayers at the time, in front of congregants and a live broadcast audience, according to the Chilean news site T13.
Ecuador
Priest killed by falling cross during Mass
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Mollinari was leading prayers in Ecuador when a large wooden cross broke loose from the wall and struck him. The incident was broadcast live.
Priest killed when massive cross falls from church wall during Mass| צילום: Photo: Social media
Efforts to save his life were unsuccessful, and Father Sánchez Mollinari died from his injuries. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement.
The tragedy left both those present in the church and viewers of the broadcast in shock. Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the cross to come loose from the wall, and it is not known whether there were prior defects in the installation or any warnings about its safety.
