Temporary Leadership in the Archdiocese of Rabat
The Archdiocese of Rabat, Morocco, announced on August 2nd the appointment of Msgr. Mario León Dorado, OMI, as the temporary apostolic administrator. This appointment comes in the wake of serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, which are currently under investigation by the Holy See. The Cardinal has been under scrutiny following accusations made by five women, claiming inappropriate behavior during his service in the archdiocese, including instances of misconduct during the sacrament of penance.
Cardinal López Romero, who has served as the Archbishop of Rabat since 2017 and was elevated to cardinal status by Pope Francis in 2019, voluntarily stepped down from his position on July 6th as the investigation unfolds. He has firmly denied any allegations of sexual aggression, violence, or harassment, asserting his willingness to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Background of Msgr. Mario León Dorado
Msgr. León Dorado, who also serves as the apostolic prefect of Western Sahara, will oversee the ordinary administration of the Archdiocese of Rabat during this critical period. He took his perpetual vows with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1996 and was ordained as a priest in 2001. His pastoral journey began in the Spanish Diocese of Jaén, and he has since served as a missionary in Western Sahara. In 2009, he was appointed as the administrator of the apostolic prefecture of Western Sahara, and in 2013, Pope Francis named him as apostolic prefect, although he has not been ordained as a bishop. The region has a sparse Catholic population of about 350 individuals across a vast area of 165,000 square miles, with only four priests serving in two parishes.
The allegations against Cardinal López Romero were filed approximately two months ago at the Moroccan nunciature, reported by a retired diocesan collaborator and another woman providing written testimony. The accusations include claims of inappropriate physical gestures, such as prolonged hugs and attempts at unwanted intimacy. Three other women have also reported similar experiences during confession.
According to canon law, solicitation during the sacrament of penance is regarded as a serious canonical crime and is reserved for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. While sources within the Dicastery have stated they were unaware of any ongoing investigation concerning the cardinal, it is possible that the case remains in preliminary stages and has yet to be formally presented.
If found guilty of these allegations, Cardinal López Romero could face severe repercussions, including the loss of his ecclesiastical offices, suspension from priestly ministry, or even laicization. In a statement made to AFP, he reiterated his innocence and commitment to cooperate fully with the ongoing inquiry.
As the situation develops, López Romero is reportedly in Spain awaiting the investigation's outcome. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the community, stating, "Never have so many people prayed for me; this is bearing fruit, and I am grateful for it." His unexpected elevation to cardinal status in 2019 raised eyebrows, particularly given the small Catholic population in Morocco, which comprises only about 20,000 faithful across 18 parishes.
As reported by pillarcatholic.com.
