A Catholic priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died Saturday after a crucifix fell on him while he was leading a Mass that was streamed live online, NBC News and the Ecuadorian newspaper Extra reported.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil said the Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari had died, NBC News and Extra reported. He was the parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in the south of the city, Extra reported. NBC News called it the Church of Perpetual Relief.

The crucifix hung on a wall behind the altar, NBC News reported. The video, which was later taken down, showed it falling forward onto the back of his head, according to NBC News, which reviewed it. He was facing the congregation and did not see it fall. He did not get back up, and people in the church could be heard crying out as some rushed to help him, NBC News reported. Extra reported that the cross fell about halfway through the daily Mass and that the priest was knocked unconscious.

In a statement signed by Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera, the archdiocese said the priest "has left to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory," NBC News reported. Extra reported that the archdiocese offered condolences to his family and to his fellow members of the Redemptorist order.

Extra reported that the archdiocese did not say how the priest died, whether he died right away or after medical care, or how the cross had been fixed to the wall.

A Mass in his memory was planned for Sunday evening, NBC News reported. News of his death led to messages of grief from church members, Extra reported.

What we know: The priest died after a crucifix fell on him during Mass, and the archdiocese confirmed his death.
What we don't: Why the crucifix fell.