At least five women have come forward with serious accusations of sexual violence against Cristobal Lopez Romero, the 74-year-old Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco. These grave allegations have prompted the Vatican to initiate a formal investigation into the prominent cardinal, who has since stepped back from his public and pastoral responsibilities as of Tuesday.
The Spanish prelate vehemently denies all claims, stating he has “committed neither aggression nor violence nor sexual harassment.” He has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing ecclesiastical inquiry.
Among the testimonies gathered is that of a retired woman deeply involved with the Church. While the specifics of her account remain undisclosed at this stage, she reports experiencing repeated sexual aggressions. Furthermore, a written statement from another woman submitted to the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s embassy in the Moroccan capital, details “physical gestures” she found “inappropriate.” These included “particularly forceful and prolonged embraces” and an “attempted physical rapprochement that could be likened to an attempt” to kiss her, which she says she narrowly evaded.
A source within the diocese confirmed awareness of at least three additional women reporting “similar incidents,” some of these disclosures occurring within the sanctity of confession.
an influential cardinal under scrutiny
The Holy See has yet to issue an immediate response to inquiries. Cardinals, chosen personally by the Pope, constitute the highest echelon of Church dignitaries, tasked with assisting the pontiff in his governance. Those under 80 years of age also hold the crucial responsibility of participating in the conclave to elect a new successor.
During the conclave held in May 2025, Cardinal Lopez Romero was recognized as one of the most visible and influential figures. Several media outlets had even identified him as a “papabile,” a term used for cardinals considered to have strong prospects of being elected Pope.
