Spanish Cardinal suspends himself after sexual assault allegations
The cardinal denied wrongdoing and pledged full cooperation as church officials review complaints from at least five women.
- On Tuesday, Spanish-born Cristobal Lopez Romero stepped back from his role as Archbishop of Rabat after an AFP investigation revealed at least five women accused him of sexual assault.
- One woman reported Lopez engaged in "particularly insistent and prolonged hugs" and attempted physical intimacy she "barely managed" to avoid in a complaint filed with the Vatican embassy in Morocco.
- Lopez admitted he was "accused of inappropriate behaviour towards adult women" and confirmed the Church opened a preliminary investigation, though he insisted, "I have committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment."
- Vicar General Marc Helfer told AFP the Church's internal bodies should conduct their investigation, insisting, "We are not covering up for anyone."
- Lopez recently requested an eventual successor before his mandatory retirement at age 75 in 2027, which Papal Nuncio Alfred Xuereb described as "normal practice" given the archbishop's age.
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Cristóbal López Romero, 74-year-old Spanish who was pointed out as one of the favourites to succeed Francis, suspended his activities after being accused of sexual misconduct. Archbishop denies accusations.
The Archbishop of Rabat, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, has temporarily suspended his official duties, following the Catholic Church's announcement of a preliminary investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct against a number of adult women...
The Vatican has launched a preliminary investigation, while AFP reported that at least five women have made sexual assault allegations; the cardinal has denied the claims.
Morocco's top cardinal steps back amid sexual assault allegations
The Archbishop of Rabat, Cristóbal López Romero, is stepping back from his duties after at least five women accused him of sexual assault, according to an investigation by the AFP news agency.
Cardinal López Romero temporarily steps aside amid investigation
The Archbishop of Rabat says he has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour toward adult women” and that a preliminary investigation has been opened by the Church. Pending its outcome, he will refrain from public celebrations and pastoral ministry, while asking for prayers for the Diocese, those who are suffering, and himself. Read all
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