A 60-year-old Catholic priest tragically passed away after sustaining severe burns during an Easter vigil ceremony in Zaragoza city, Spain. Father Javier Sánchez succumbed to his injuries after four days of intensive care treatment. The incident occurred when an ember bowl, surrounded by candles, ignited his robes, causing him to suffer 50 per cent burns. Father Sánchez, hailed as a hero, shielded nearby nuns from the flames, sacrificing his life in the process.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing, with suspicions that paraffin was used on the ember bowl to aid combustion. Despite being rushed to Miguel Servet Hospital, Father Sánchez’s injuries proved fatal, leading to multiple organ failure.
The priest’s selfless act of protecting others during the tragedy has been commended. He was known affectionately as the ‘rock priest’ due to his passion for music, having composed numerous songs and released three albums during his career. In addition to his musical pursuits, Father Sánchez served as a priest at the Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza, in the parish of La Jota, and was a television talk show host.
Tributes poured in for Father Sánchez, with friends and colleagues remembering him as a vibrant and beloved individual. The Archbishop of Zaragoza expressed sorrow over his passing, while Pilar Martinez, secretary of the San Gregorio neighborhood association, described the news as a profound shock to the community, noting Father Sánchez’s kindness despite his short tenure in the neighborhood.