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Spanish-born Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, who is also the Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, has stepped back from his duties after at least five women accused him of sexual assault, with the Vatican opening an inquiry into the allegations.
“I am accused of inappropriate behaviour toward adult women,” Lopez Romero said in a statement published by Vatican News on Tuesday, adding that the situation had prompted the Catholic Church to open a preliminary investigation.
An investigation by the AFP news agency found that two women have directly accused the 74-year-old Spanish-born cleric of sexual misconduct, while a diocesan source said three more women may have made similar claims.
AFP spoke with one retired churchwoman and reviewed a written statement from another woman, both of whom alleged that López Romero assaulted them.
A formal complaint submitted to the Vatican’s embassy in Rabat reportedly detailed unwanted physical contact, including prolonged embraces and an alleged attempt to kiss one of the women.
The archbishop has acknowledged the allegations and said he has already responded to questions from Church authorities.
He maintained his innocence and denied assaulting or harassing anyone.
“I have not assaulted or harassed anyone,” López Romero said, adding that he would continue cooperating with the Vatican investigation.
He announced his decision to step aside from his role while the inquiry continues.
The Vatican has not issued a public statement on the matter.
López Romero, a senior cardinal, had previously been considered by some Vatican observers as a possible candidate to succeed Pope Francis during the 2025 conclave.
The allegations have renewed discussions about how the Catholic Church handles abuse claims involving senior clergy.
Critics have long accused Church leaders of failing to prioritise victims’ safety.
No formal police complaint has been filed with Moroccan authorities.
However, lawyer Nadia Debbache, who specialises in sexual violence cases, said the alleged actions could amount to serious sexual harassment and assault due to the archbishop’s position of authority.
It’s pertinent to know that López Romero, a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco order, was ordained in 1979.
He previously served as head of the Conference of Bishops of North Africa from 2022 to 2025 and led the Vatican’s office for interreligious dialogue from 2020.
