Was The Viral Video Of A Priest Being Struck By A Falling Cross AI-Generated? Here's The Truth

A shocking video showing a Catholic priest being fatally struck by a falling crucifix during Mass has gone viral, leaving many social media users questioning whether the footage was real or created using artificial intelligence.

With AI-generated videos becoming increasingly realistic, some viewers struggled to believe that such an extraordinary incident could have actually happened.

However, the tragic incident was real.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 52, died on Saturday, 17th October, after a large wooden crucifix detached from the wall and struck him during Mass at the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The ceremony was being livestreamed on social media, capturing the moment the cross fell and churchgoers rushed to help.

The footage has since circulated internationally, with some viewers questioning its authenticity because of the unusual circumstances.

However, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil officially confirmed the priest's death and expressed condolences to his family and religious community.

International news organisations, including Associated Press, NBC News and CBS News, have also independently reported the incident, with NBC confirming that it reviewed the original footage.

The original livestream has since been removed, although clips continue to circulate across social media.

What makes the tragedy particularly heartbreaking is that Father Patricio had reportedly been speaking about the importance of life, death and spending time with loved ones during his final Mass.

While the incident itself has been verified, the exact reason why the crucifix became detached remains unknown.

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Source: NY Post, Patricio Sánchez