The Vatican is investigating Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the archbishop of Rabat, following allegations of inappropriate behavior involving five adult women.
The Cardinal has denied the allegations, telling the EFE news agency that he has committed no acts of assault, violence, or sexual harassment. In a statement, he said he has temporarily stepped aside from his duties to avoid interfering with the investigation.
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During this period of investigation, I will be stepping back so as not to interfere. I won't preside over any public celebrations or participate in any pastoral activities, which I am sure you will understand.
These accusations were reported by the French news agency AFP, which cited the testimony of two of the five women. One of them, a retired woman who is active in the Church, did not authorize the disclosure of her testimony.
AFP also reviewed the complaint submitted to the Moroccan nunciature in Rabat by the second accuser. In it, she alleges that Romero engaged in inappropriate physical conduct, including overly prolonged, insistent hugs and what she describes as an attempted physical advance that could be interpreted as an attempt to kiss her.
As the allegations concern a cardinal, the investigation falls under the Vatican's authoirty and is currently in its preliminary stages.
At the moment, this has only arrived to the Holy See. According to the General Vicar of the archdiocese, no civilcomplaint has yet been filed with the Moroccan authorities.
During the May 2025 conclave, Cardinal López was considered one of the leading papabili: the cardinals regarded as possible successors to Pope Francis.
