Numerous sexual abuse charges against Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, Cardinal López Romero

Sexual assault charges have been brought against Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero by at least five women. The 74-year-old clergyman, who serves as the Archbishop of Rabat in Morocco, announced that he categorically denies the allegations in question. According to information obtained by the AFP news agency and the victims' statements, the Vatican has launched an official investigation into the incidents. In order not to hinder the investigation process, the Cardinal announced that he has temporarily stepped away from all his religious duties and will not preside over any public events. It was learned that no official criminal complaint has been filed with the Moroccan judicial authorities so far.

It was reported that one of the victims is a retired woman actively working with the church and that she stated she was subjected to repeated sexual assaults. It also emerged that another victim submitted a written testimony to the nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic representation in the Moroccan capital. This woman claimed that the cardinal made physical approaches, such as persistent and prolonged hugs, and tried to kiss her. Additionally, according to information obtained from diocesan sources, at least three other women who have not come forward stated that they were subjected to similar incidents. It was noted that the victims' statements focused particularly on the incidents that occurred during the sacrament of confession.

After being ordained as a priest in 1979, López Romero went to Paraguay in 1984 and served in that country for approximately two decades. Afterwards, he served as the superior of the Salesian province in Bolivia between 2011 and 2014. In 2018, he was appointed Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, and received the title of Cardinal the following year. He was considered among the most visible and influential figures at the conclave held in May 2025, where the new Pope was elected. In fact, many international media organizations described him as 'papabile,' a term used for candidates with a high probability of being elected Pope.

Making a statement regarding the charges against him, the Archbishop stated that he has responded to high-ranking church officials and will offer full cooperation with the investigation. The Cardinal, arguing that he did not engage in any assault, violence, or sexual harassment, stated that he decided to step back from his duties in order not to disrupt the investigation. It was reported that he announced to the congregation that he will not preside over any religious ceremonies and will not interfere in any pastoral activities during this process. It was learned that the Vatican did not provide an immediate response to AFP's request for comment. This recent development has once again highlighted the profound scale of the scandals the Catholic Church has faced in recent years.

The Catholic Church continues to be shaken by numerous scandals regarding sexual abuse crimes committed by clergy members and the cover-up of these incidents from the past to the present. It was emphasized that during Pope Francisco's papacy between 2013-2025, a 'zero tolerance' policy was adopted against such crimes. Comprehensive reforms were implemented within the church to improve the way victims' complaints are handled. However, the fact that even one of the church's highest-ranking officials, such as the Cardinal, faces similar allegations calls the measures taken into question. The conclusion of the investigation and the clarification of the incidents are of great importance for both the Church's authority and the victims.