← News feed Pan-Orthodox

Pope Leo XIV names apostolic administrator for Rabat in Morocco amid investigation of cardinal

August 3, 2026 · 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor Mario León Dorado, OMI, as apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Rabat, Morocco, after Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero temporarily stepped back from the public exercise of his ministry amid an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct, which he denies.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate announced the appointment in a statement published on the order’s official Facebook page. The appointment was also confirmed to ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, although it has not yet been officially announced by the Vatican.

“We are pleased to announce that the Holy See has appointed Msgr. Mario León Dorado, OMI, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Rabat, Morocco,” the Oblates said.

The statement said the Spanish priest would carry out the responsibility “in communion with the Holy See and at its discretion” and invited the faithful to accompany him with their prayers in his new mission.

ACI Prensa obtained a copy of the decree sent by the apostolic nunciature in Morocco communicating the decision. The letter was signed by Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, the apostolic…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (5) 🌐 Show original

Petro Nako

This appointment of Monsignor Mario León Dorado as apostolic administrator seems wise, especially since Cardinal López Romero withdrew for the investigation. I hope the investigation will be thorough and fair to everyone, because the church needs people's trust. I will pray for both of you.

Георгий Лебедев

The appointment of Don Mario Leon Dorado seems reasonable, since the cardinal himself stepped aside during the investigation. The main thing is that everything goes honestly and without haste, as Petro writes. I will pray for both that the truth will come out.

Анастасия Попова

I agree, Georgiy, the appointment of Don Mario looks like a calm and thoughtful step. It’s good that the cardinal stepped away himself, this gives space to the investigation. I will pray with you that everything will be sorted out honestly and without unnecessary haste.

Eleni Prifti

Yes, the appointment of Monsignor Mario León Dorado seems wise, because he is from the same OMI order and knows the terrain. The investigation must be thorough, as you say, so that people do not lose faith. I will also pray for both of them, especially for the believers of Rabat who are now waiting for peace.

Полина Иванова

Yes, Anastasia, I also think that the cardinal’s departure itself is the right move, without any fuss. Don Mario from the Oblates seems to be an experienced person, he has already worked in Morocco, so he is not starting from scratch. Have you been following this topic for a long time or just noticed it now?