Allegations Against Cardinal López Romero
In a shocking turn of events, at least five women have accused Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the Archbishop of Rabat, of sexual assault. These allegations, reported by sources close to the case and testimonies from the alleged victims, have led to the cardinal stepping back from his duties. Despite these serious accusations, the 74-year-old prelate has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
The allegations against López Romero are currently under investigation by the Vatican, which prompted his decision to withdraw from his public responsibilities. As of now, no formal complaints have been filed with the Moroccan authorities, according to Marc Helfer, the cardinal's direct subordinate. This situation is particularly sensitive, as López Romero has been considered a potential candidate to succeed Pope Francis in the 2025 conclave, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding events.
Details of the Allegations
Testimonies obtained by AFP include accounts from a retired woman who had been actively involved with the Church; however, she has not authorized the release of her specific testimony at this stage. Reports indicate that these accusations involve repeated incidents of sexual misconduct. Another woman submitted a written testimony to the apostolic nunciate, the Vatican's embassy in Morocco, claiming that the cardinal engaged in "physical gestures" that she deemed inappropriate. These gestures included "particularly persistent and prolonged hugs" as well as a physical approach that she interpreted as an attempted kiss, from which she managed to escape.
Additionally, sources within the diocese have informed AFP that at least three other women have come forward with similar claims, particularly during confessions. In response to these serious allegations, the Archbishop stated that he has been responsive to his ecclesiastical superiors and is committed to cooperating fully with the investigation. He has expressed his innocence, asserting that he has neither committed acts of aggression nor sexual harassment.
In a statement directed to the faithful of his diocese, López Romero announced his intention to take a step back during the investigation period to avoid any interference, indicating that he would not preside over public celebrations or partake in pastoral activities. The Holy See has yet to respond to requests for comments on this situation.
As cardinals are appointed by the Pope and constitute a select group of the Church's highest officials, their roles include assisting in governance. Those under 80 years of age participate in the conclave to elect the next pope. López Romero was previously considered one of the more visible and influential cardinals in the upcoming conclave, even being labeled as a "papable"—a term used for cardinals believed to have a high chance of being elected as pope.
The Catholic Church continues to grapple with the fallout from a series of scandals involving sexual abuse by clergy members and the subsequent cover-ups. During Pope Francis's pontificate from 2013 to 2025, a policy of zero tolerance was reaffirmed, leading to various reforms aimed at improving the handling of such allegations.
As reported by rfi.fr.
