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Cardinal archbishop of Rabat temporarily steps aside from ministry due to abuse investigation

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, announced Tuesday that he will temporarily withdraw from all public and pastoral activities while a preliminary investigation — opened by the Church following allegations of inappropriate behavior toward adult women — is underway.

López Romero asserted his innocence in a brief statement carried by the EFE news agency. “I have not committed any assault, violence, or sexual harassment,” he said.

The prelate himself announced the decision in a message to his archdiocesan community at the end of the pastoral year. In the text, López Romero explains that the Church has initiated a preliminary investigation into the allegations and that the case is currently in the hands of the competent authorities of the Holy See.

“I am accused of inappropriate behavior toward adult women,” the cardinal archbishop noted in the statement, in which he also affirms that he is fully cooperating with the ongoing ecclesiastical process.

While the investigation is underway, López Romero indicated he will not preside at public celebrations or participate in pastoral activities so as not to interfere with the inquiry.

“During this…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (9) 🌐 Show original

Matthew Brown

Praying this investigation gets to the truth quickly. He says he’s innocent and is cooperating, which is the right thing. It’s a small archdiocese in Morocco — hope the community there isn’t too shaken while he steps back.

Anthony Collins

I appreciate how he’s owning the situation by stepping aside completely and cooperating right away. Small place like Rabat, the parish must feel it, but at least the investigation can move forward without him in the way. Praying they sort out the truth soon.

Veronika Dvořáková

Yes, I hope it clears up quickly. When he himself says that this is inappropriate behavior towards adult women and that he is innocent, it is good that he immediately backed down and does not hinder the investigation. In such a small diocese as Rabat, he will certainly feel it, but the truth comes first.

Jan Novák

Yes, I hope it clears up quickly. When he himself says that there is no violence or sexual harassment and that he is cooperating, it is right that he immediately withdrew from public worship. In such a small archdiocese as Rabat, he will certainly feel it, but the truth must come first.

Теодора Петрова

I hope the investigation ends quickly and the truth is revealed. It is good that he announced his decision himself and that he will retire from the services at the end of the pastoral year, instead of waiting for someone to force him. In such a small archdiocese as Rabat, the community will certainly feel his absence, but justice is more important.

Јасмина Стојановска

It is good that the Cardinal himself has announced that he is withdrawing and that he is cooperating, without waiting for someone to force him. In a small archdiocese like Rabat, the absence will certainly be felt, especially at the end of the pastoral year. I hope the investigation will quickly clarify the truth.

Елена Зайцева

I hope the investigation gets resolved quickly. It is good that the cardinal himself immediately announced and retired from all services at the end of the pastoral year, and did not wait until he was removed. In such a small diocese in Rabat, of course, this will be noticed, but the truth is more important.

Росица Стефанова

I agree, Teodora, it is good that he announced it himself at the end of the pastoral year without waiting for pressure. In such a small community as Rabat, they will really miss a man of his experience, but the truth must come out. I hope the investigation is fair and swift.

Hana Dvořáková

I agree Veronica, stepping aside is the right thing to do, let it be investigated quickly. In such a small diocese as Rabat, it will be known mainly at masses and meetings, which will now be led by priests. I hope that the Vatican will close it soon and clearly, so that it does not drag on unnecessarily.