Cardinal in Morocco steps back from duties after sexual assault claims
Spanish-born Cristobal Lopez Romero, who denies wrongdoing, was seen by some as a potential successor to Pope Francis in the 2025 conclave
At least five women have accused the archbishop of Rabat of sexual assault, according to an Agence France-Presse investigation, prompting the Spanish-born cleric to announce he was “stepping back” on Tuesday while the Vatican holds an inquiry.
Agence France-Presse interviewed a retired woman involved in the Church and reviewed the written testimony of another woman who said Cristobal Lopez Romero had sexually assaulted them.
The 74-year-old archbishop denied all wrongdoing when contacted by Agence France-Presse.
At least three other women have been victims of similar acts by Lopez, a diocesan source alleged, but Agence France-Presse was not able to verify their claims as some were allegedly made during confession.
The written complaint, which was sent to the Vatican embassy in Rabat, accused Lopez of “inappropriate” physical contact, including “particularly intense and prolonged embraces” and “an attempt to get physically close” to kiss her.
Lopez said he was “aware of the allegations”, adding that he had “already responded to my ecclesiastical superiors and I will continue to fully cooperate with them in the investigation”.
“I have committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment,” he said.