Appointment of Fr. León Dorado as Coadjutor Archbishop of Rabat
The Vatican has announced the appointment of Reverend Fr. León Dorado, O.M.I., as the new coadjutor archbishop of Rabat, Morocco. Prior to this appointment, Fr. Dorado served as the apostolic prefect of the Western Sahara, a position he held with dedication and commitment. His extensive experience in various ecclesiastical roles has prepared him for this significant position in the Archdiocese of Rabat.
Born on March 16, 1974, in Madrid, Spain, Fr. León Dorado completed his initial studies in information technology at the Faculty of Information Sciences in Madrid. He later pursued theological studies and earned a bachelor's degree from the prestigious San Dámaso Faculty of Theology. His religious journey began when he took his first vows in the Congregation of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate on September 15, 1996, leading to his ordination as a priest on June 2, 2001.
Fr. Dorado has held various positions throughout his career, starting as a parish assistant in Jaén, Spain, from 2000 to 2004. In 2004, he began his mission in the apostolic prefecture of Western Sahara, later becoming the apostolic administrator from 2009 to 2013. Since 2013, he has served as the apostolic prefect of Western Sahara, and as of 2026, he has also taken on the responsibilities of apostolic administrator of the archdiocese of Rabat.
This appointment is seen as a vital step in strengthening the Catholic presence in Morocco and fostering interfaith dialogue in a region characterized by its diverse religious landscape. The Vatican's decision underscores the importance of local leadership in navigating the unique challenges faced by the Church in North Africa.
As reported by fides.org.
