In a significant development for the Catholic Church in Morocco, at least five women have leveled accusations of sexual violence against Cristobal Lopez Romero, the 74-year-old Archbishop of Rabat. These grave allegations have triggered an official investigation by the Vatican, prompting the Spanish cardinal to step aside from his duties this past Tuesday. Archbishop Romero vehemently denies all claims.

One woman, a retired church worker, courageously shared her testimony, detailing repeated sexual assaults, though she requested that the specifics of her account remain confidential at this time. Separately, a written testimony from another woman, addressed directly to the Apostolic Nunciature – the Vatican’s embassy in the Moroccan capital – has also been reviewed.

This latter testimony accuses the cardinal of “physical gestures” she found “inappropriate,” specifically mentioning “overly firm and prolonged embraces.” Furthermore, she recounts a “physical overture that could be likened to an attempt” to kiss her, which she stated she “managed to evade with difficulty.” A source within the Rabat diocese confirmed receiving information that at least three additional women reported experiencing “similar incidents,” with some of these deeply personal accounts shared within the sanctity of confession.

When contacted regarding these serious allegations, the Archbishop stated that he had “responded to [his] ecclesiastical superiors.” He further pledged to “fully cooperate with them in the ongoing investigation,” while firmly asserting that he has “committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment.” In a separate communiqué addressed to the faithful of the diocese, he announced, “During this investigation period, to avoid impeding it, I will take a step back, not presiding over any public celebrations, and not intervening in any pastoral activities.”

An influential cardinal

The Holy See has yet to issue an immediate response to these developments. Cardinals, handpicked by the Pope, form the restricted circle of the Church’s highest dignitaries, entrusted with assisting the Pontiff in his governance. Those aged under 80 also hold the crucial responsibility of participating in the conclave to elect his successor.

During the conclave held in May 2025, Cardinal Lopez Romero was recognized as one of the most prominent and influential cardinals. Several media outlets had even identified him as a “papabile,” a term used to designate cardinals considered to have a strong possibility of being elected Pope.