Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was struck by a heavy wooden cross as he addressed worshippers in Guayaquil; horrified congregants called for an ambulance, but medics could only confirm his death.

When I initially saw this clip circulating around social media, I was hoping it was an AI hoax, but unfortunately it was not.

Footage of the incident has since spread across social media, showing the final moments of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari’s life.

Worshippers cried for help as the social media broadcast continued.

“Father, Father! Call an ambulance!” some of those present can be heard desperately calling.

Local authorities have not commented on the incident.

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

According to the New York Post, the 53-year-old priest had spoken about the inevitability of death shortly before the accident. The service was being livestreamed, and footage circulating on social media captured the sudden incident and the congregation’s reaction.

Emergency medical workers reportedly arrived but were unable to save the priest. He was declared dead on the same day.

The exact reason the crucifix fell has not been established.

What had the priest said about death?

According to the New York Post, he told the congregation, “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 also spoke about spending meaningful time with family, including partners, children and other loved ones. “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,”.