Catholic priest, 60, burned alive after spark ignites his robe during blessing fire ceremony

A priest has died from horrific injuries after his robe caught fire from a spark from a candle during an Easter vigil in the Spanish city of Zaragoza.

He suffered 50 per cent burns in the freak Easter weekend accident and lost his battle for life after four days in intensive care.

The priest, Javier Sánchez, was engulfed in flames during a candle-lighting ceremony at a Spanish convent.

A bowl of embers surrounded by candles caught fire and threw sparks that ignited his robes.

Reports say the 60-year-old died a hero as he stood between the burning bowl and the nuns to protect them.

An investigation is underway as it appears paraffin was used on the bowl of embers to help it burn.

Father Sanchez was rushed to the Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza, but suffered horrific injuries and, despite doctors’ best efforts, died from multiple organ failure.

“The priest tried to protect the nuns of the convent when embers ignited in the basin used (for the fire) and this ultimately caused his death. Apparently, an flammable substance had been used to start the fire. (The Easter Vigil) took place inside the convent,” said a source cited by the Spanish newspaper El Heraldo de Aragón.

Father Sánchez presided over the “blessing of the fire,” a ritual celebrated during Holy Saturday Mass, during which the Paschal candle is lit and remains lit for 50 days until the celebration of Pentecost.

The deceased was known as the “Priest of Rock” because of his love for music and for composing many songs. He has released three albums during his career.

He also served as a priest at the Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza, in the parish of La Jota, and also hosted television shows.

In 2015, he starred in a controversial music video for his song “A tu aire”, in which he appeared only with angel wings and a guitar, covering his private parts.

Tributes poured in, with one friend saying: “She was a very vital and much loved person.”

The Archbishop of Zaragoza issued a statement via the social network saying: “It is with pain that we communicate to you that this morning the priest Javi Sánchez died. We pray for his eternal rest.

Pilar Martínez, secretary of the San Gregorio neighborhood association, said the news of the priest’s death came like “a bucket of cold water.”

She said the priest was “a good man,” even though he had not been in the neighborhood recently.

And the Brotherhood of Humility expressed its “deepest condolences and support to his entire family” on Facebook.

“May the humility of God and the gentleness of Mary shelter you in heaven. Rest in peace. We will never forget you, Javi. Take care of us in glory,” the brotherhood wrote.