The horrifying accident in Ecuador in which Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died from a falling crucifix spread worldwide. But sadly, the aftermath became one of shocking claims about the priest, claiming he had stolen millions of dollars before the incident. Now, the fact-checking website Snopes has reached a conclusion about what is true and what is false.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was killed in a tragic accident during a church service in Ecuador. He was speaking to a congregation inside the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when the large crucifix hanging on the wall behind him suddenly fell, striking the priest on the head.
Sánchez later died from his injuries, leaving his congregation and loved ones heartbroken. Exactly what caused the crucifix to fall remains unclear.
Some two weeks ago, Ecuador’s National Police made a preliminary assessment that classified the death as an accident, citing a severe blow to the head.
However, experts quoted by El Comercio have argued that prosecutors should investigate whether the case could amount to culpable homicide, which involves a death caused by negligence.
Sánchez’s family is also demanding answers, questioning how such a heavy crucifix could have fallen and whether anyone should be held responsible for the priest’s death. His relative, Patricio León, said: “It may be God’s will, but an investigation should be carried out.”
Claim that priest stole $2 million before being killed by falling crucifix debunked
The crucifix was mounted on the wall behind the altar, and questions have since been raised about how securely it was attached. According to El Universo, one witness claimed the structure was held in place by two bolts, one of which had come loose.
Others have suggested that vibrations from the church’s sound equipment may have contributed to the fall. However, the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Sadly, the aftermath of Father Sánchez’s death has not only been about the tragic accident and what happened. It has also flooded social media with conspiracy theories, one of which is especially disturbing. It was claimed that he had stolen $2 million in church donations before his death.
The claim spread on several social media platforms. For example, on Threads, one post claimed, “Catholic Priest Killed by Giant Cross During Mass After Stealing $2 Million in Donations.”
“LET THIS TRAGEDY BE A WARNING TO ALL WHO THINK GOD ISN’T PRESENT IN THESE TIMES,” the user wrote above the video showing how the crucifix fell on the priest, per Snopes.
Claims about priest dying of “divine punishment”
The allegation also spread on Facebook and Instagram, where some users suggested the priest’s tragic death was a form of “divine punishment.”
So what is really true? Fact-checking website Snopes has taken up the case and reached a conclusion.
The allegation he stole $2 million in donations beforehand simply has no credible evidence, Snopes wrote. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil also rejected the allegations, saying it had received no complaints about financial mismanagement involving the priest or his parish.
Some posts went further, suggesting that his death was a form of divine punishment. The allegations were shared alongside footage of the fatal incident, attracting attention online, Snopes concluded.
In a separate statement to the fact-checking website, the church criticized the spread of the allegations, describing them as malicious claims circulated online to attract views.
Rest in peace, Father Sánchez. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
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