Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero Steps Aside Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Rabat in Morocco, has been suspended from his duties while the Vatican conducts a preliminary investigation into accusations of sexual assault made by at least five women. The women allege repeated inappropriate physical contact, including an "especially persistent and prolonged embrace" and an attempted kiss, with incidents said to span from 2009 to 2024 in Morocco and other locations where López Romero served.

López Romero, 74, has denied any wrongdoing, stating he has committed no assault, violence, or harassment. He announced he will refrain from presiding over public celebrations and any pastoral activities until the investigation concludes. The Vatican has placed the case under the authority of the vicariate general, Marc Helfer. No formal complaint has been filed with Moroccan authorities. The cardinal, a member of the Salesian order, was previously a missionary in Paraguay and Bolivia and was once mentioned as a possible papal successor.

The Church’s handling of the case is being closely watched as it adds to broader concerns about abuse within the hierarchy.