A Catholic priest in Ecuador was killed on Oct 17 after a large wooden crucifix mounted behind him broke loose and fell forward while he was celebrating Mass, in an incident captured during a live broadcast, according to The Standard.
Video from the service shows Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari addressing the congregation when the crucifix suddenly came down, striking him on the head and pinning him against the lectern. Worshippers could be heard crying out for help, including one woman shouting for an ambulance.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the church but later confirmed the priest's death. On Sunday, Catholic Church leaders in Guayaquil confirmed his death in an official statement, saying the Redemptorist priest had "gone to the Father's house to rejoice in His presence and glory."
The circumstances that caused the heavy wooden cross to detach and fall remain unclear.
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