A Catholic priest celebrating an evening Mass in south-western Ecuador has died after a crucifix fell on him during the livestreamed service.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil, a coastal city 265 kilometres south-west of the capital Quito, identified the priest as Patricio Sánchez of Perpetuo Socorro Church.

Footage of the service on Saturday night (local time) shows a heavy wooden cross detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Sánchez on the head as he celebrated mass.

He did not appear to see it falling.

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.

-with DPA