Five women accuse cardinal of Rabat of sexual violence: Vatican opens investigation
At least five women have accused cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, archbishop of Rabat, of assault and sexual violence. The Holy See has opened an investigation and the 74-year-old Spanish prelate has withdrawn from his public duties.
Five women accuse cardinal of Rabat of sexual violence: Vatican opens investigation
Spanish prelate Cristóbal López Romero, 74, who holds the episcopal seat of the Moroccan capital, is the subject of complaints for sexual assault filed by at least five women. These accusations have prompted the Holy See to open a canonical investigation. On Tuesday, the cardinal announced that he was suspending all public activity for the duration of the investigations.
One of the complainants, a retiree highly involved in parish life, described repeated touching to news agency AFP. The exact content of her statement has not been made public at this stage.
A second woman submitted written testimony to the apostolic nuncio, the Vatican's diplomatic representation in Morocco. She denounces inappropriate behaviour by the clergyman: particularly long and forceful embraces, as well as an attempted kiss which she claims she narrowly escaped.
A source within the diocese has further told AFP that three other women have reported similar incidents, particularly in the context of the sacrament of penance.
When questioned about these allegations, the cardinal indicated that he has responded to his ecclesiastical superiors. He assured that he is cooperating fully with the Vatican investigation, whilst categorically rejecting the facts alleged against him. "I have committed neither assault, nor violence, nor sexual harassment," he stated.
In a statement addressed to the faithful of his diocese, he specified: "During this investigation period, in order not to obstruct it, I am going to step back, presiding over no public celebrations, and taking part in no pastoral activities."
The Holy See did not immediately respond to AFP's requests for comment.
Source: La Libre – https://www.lalibre.be/international/moyen-orient/2026/07/07/cinq-femmes-accusent-larcheveque-de-rabat-de-violences-sexuelles-le-vatican-ouvre-une-enquete-FKP4XWA3IFDM7HK3DDZOCOE6DM/
Source: La Libre