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Family of priest who horrifically died during livestreamed mass makes new claim about cross that killed him
The family of the priest who suffered an untimely death in the middle of a livestreamed mass has made a claim about the cross that killed him.
Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari was leading a service at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday (October 17) when a large wooden crucifix hanging on the wall fell forward and struck the back of his head.
Footage of the disturbing moment was shared online and showed panicked parishioners running to his side and calling for help.
Despite the best efforts of emergency medical professionals, the South American priest was pronounced dead at the scene.
The family of the priest makes a new claim
Ecuadorian outlet Extra has reported that Sánchez's relatives want authorities to determine exactly how the crucifix fell and whether anyone could be held responsible for the horrific incident.
"It may be God's will, but there should be an investigation in Guayaquil," a relative named Patricio León told reporters in Cuenca, Sánchez's home city.
He also raised questions about the circumstances that led to the cross falling on Sánchez's head during a religious service.
Ecuador's National Police initially classified the death as accidental. However, legal experts cited by El Comercio suggested that prosecutors should investigate whether the incident could constitute culpable homicide, a charge involving death caused by negligence.
They stressed that detectives would need to examine how the cross was installed and whether adequate safety measures had been taken to prevent it from falling.
As the fatal incident was captured on a livestream, prosecutors could reportedly launch an investigation without requiring a formal complaint from the family.
At the time of reporting, no technical findings had been publicly released to explain what caused the crucifix to fall.
The priest's final words revealed
Rev. Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732.
He served under the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, and Cardinal Archbishop Monsignor Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera confirmed his death on Facebook.
Before he tragically passed away, he told his congregation not to waste their lives scrolling on their phones or working, but to dedicate themselves to God and their loved ones.
"One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God," he said, per the New York Post.
"The quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children, and family - that time is the best spent," he added.
Statement from the church
The church honoured the late priest in a tribute statement on Facebook, which read: "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."
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen," they added.
They also shared pictures from a Eucharist service held in his memory, and the images show that the cross had not been replaced, with its outline still visible on the wall.
They explained why they chose to share media from the scene.
"We share the images of the Eucharist in memory of our beloved P. Patrick Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR., whom the Lord called to his bosom last night, October 17, while celebrating the Holy Mass," they said.
"Cardinal Luis Cabrera, OFM. Archbishop of Guayaquil, celebrated the Eucharist, accompanied by the auxiliary bishops, priests, members of the Community of the Holy Redeemer, and parishioners.
"We appreciate all the messages of condolence from different parts of the world and especially, your prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of P. Patrick Sanchez," they added.