Falling crucifix kills priest during live-streamed mass in Ecuador

A Catholic priest died on Saturday when a wooden crucifix fell from a wall and crushed him against the pulpit as he celebrated mass in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil.

“Father, Father! Call an ambulance!” people at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church could be heard shouting just before a live-streamed broadcast cuts out.

The footage of the service shows a heavy crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Patricio Sanchez on the head. He did not appear to see it falling.

The graphic footage went viral on Sunday on social media and was widely carried by news outlets.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil mourned the death of the priest, Sanchez of Perpetuo Socorro Church, in a statement and expressed its “solidarity, affection and love” for his family and friends.

A statement said the priest had gone to the house of the Father. It read: “Rest in peace.” It gave no specific details of the circumstances of the death.

Local authorities have not commented on the incident.

Sanchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.

Guayaquil is a coastal city 265km (164 miles) southwest of the capital Quito.