The death of Father Patricio, who died while celebrating Mass, has prompted many expressions of grief, but also mocking comments on social media. In response, several Catholics have spoken out to call for respect in the face of death and the grief of others.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a 53-year-old Redemptorist priest, died on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while celebrating the Eucharist at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
During the service, a large wooden cross positioned behind the altar came loose and fell onto the priest. The accident shocked worshippers in attendance and those watching Mass online.
A call for respect amid mockery on social media
As images of the accident spread, some people responded with mockery. In response, Father Ricardo Rivera Gutiérrez published a message expressing sorrow over these comments and reminding readers that a person’s death should never become a laughing matter.
“Father Patricio died while celebrating Holy Mass, and seeing how some people mock his death is deeply distressing. You do not have to believe in God or love the Church to respect the death of a human being,” he wrote.
The priest also noted that freedom of expression “does not justify a lack of humanity” and asked
