Cardinal López Romero steps aside after five women accuse him of sexual misconduct

The accusations

At least five women have accused Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the Spanish-born Archbishop of Rabat, of sexual misconduct, according to an AFP investigation. One retired woman, who remained anonymous, described repeated sexual abuse. Another woman wrote to the apostolic nunciature in Morocco detailing inappropriate physical gestures, including what she called prolonged embraces and an attempt to kiss her, from which she said she escaped with difficulty. A diocesan source told AFP that three other women testified during confession about similar acts.

López Romero's response

The cardinal issued a statement dated 6 July 2026 announcing his temporary withdrawal from public celebrations and pastoral activities. He denied all allegations, telling the Spanish news agency Efe:

I have committed neither assault, nor violence, nor sexual harassment.

In a separate statement to AFP, he said he was cooperating fully with the investigation and had already responded to his ecclesiastical superiors.

Vatican investigation

The Holy See has opened a preliminary investigation, which is being handled directly by Rome because López Romero is a cardinal. The Vatican press office declined to comment beyond referring to the cardinal's own statement. The inquiry will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a formal canonical process.

Background

López Romero, a Salesian priest from Almería, Spain, was appointed Archbishop of Rabat in 2017 and created cardinal by Pope Francis in October 2019. He was considered a potential candidate to succeed Francis as pope. The 77-year-old has served in Paraguay and Morocco and is one of the most prominent Catholic figures in North Africa.

1. 2017Appointed Archbishop of Rabat.
2. October 2019Created cardinal by Pope Francis.
3. 6 July 2026Issues statement announcing temporary withdrawal.
4. 7 July 2026AFP report and Vatican investigation made public.