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Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the Archbishop of Rabat, is facing allegations of sexual assault from at least five women. The Vatican has opened an investigation into the claims, while the cleric, who temporarily stepped aside from his duties on July 7, has denied all wrongdoing, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The 74-year-old Spanish cardinal had been considered one of the leading contenders to succeed Pope Francis during the recent conclave that ultimately elected Pope Leo XIV.
AFP cited the testimony of a retired woman active in Morocco's Catholic Church, who alleged she had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by López. The agency also reviewed a written complaint submitted by another woman to the Apostolic Nunciature in Rabat.
In her statement, the second woman accused the cardinal of «inappropriate physical behavior», including «a prolonged and forceful embrace» and «an attempt at physical closeness that could be interpreted as an attempt to kiss her». She said she managed to break free only «with difficulty». According to a source within the Archdiocese of Rabat, at least three other women have reported similar incidents.
López has denied «committing any act of assault, violence or sexual harassment» and called for respect for the presumption of innocence. He said he had provided explanations to Church authorities and would cooperate fully with the Vatican's investigation.
In a letter to the faithful, the archbishop announced that he was temporarily stepping aside pending the outcome of the inquiry, adding that he would refrain from presiding over public religious services or carrying out pastoral duties during that period.
The archdiocese's vicar general, Marc Helfer, said no complaint has been filed with the Moroccan courts.
López, who was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, serves on two Vatican dicasteries and is known for promoting interfaith dialogue. He also previously oversaw the handling of the case of French priest Antoine Exelmans, who was accused of sexually abusing migrant minors.
The allegations come as the Catholic Church continues to grapple with a series of sexual abuse scandals involving members of the clergy, as well as accusations that Church authorities concealed such abuses.
The 74-year-old Spanish cardinal had been considered one of the leading contenders to succeed Pope Francis during the recent conclave that ultimately elected Pope Leo XIV.
AFP cited the testimony of a retired woman active in Morocco's Catholic Church, who alleged she had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by López. The agency also reviewed a written complaint submitted by another woman to the Apostolic Nunciature in Rabat.
In her statement, the second woman accused the cardinal of «inappropriate physical behavior», including «a prolonged and forceful embrace» and «an attempt at physical closeness that could be interpreted as an attempt to kiss her». She said she managed to break free only «with difficulty». According to a source within the Archdiocese of Rabat, at least three other women have reported similar incidents.
López has denied «committing any act of assault, violence or sexual harassment» and called for respect for the presumption of innocence. He said he had provided explanations to Church authorities and would cooperate fully with the Vatican's investigation.
In a letter to the faithful, the archbishop announced that he was temporarily stepping aside pending the outcome of the inquiry, adding that he would refrain from presiding over public religious services or carrying out pastoral duties during that period.
The archdiocese's vicar general, Marc Helfer, said no complaint has been filed with the Moroccan courts.
López, who was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, serves on two Vatican dicasteries and is known for promoting interfaith dialogue. He also previously oversaw the handling of the case of French priest Antoine Exelmans, who was accused of sexually abusing migrant minors.
The allegations come as the Catholic Church continues to grapple with a series of sexual abuse scandals involving members of the clergy, as well as accusations that Church authorities concealed such abuses.
