Pope's Strategic Appointment in Rabat

Pope Leo XIV has officially designated Father Mario León Dorado as the coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Rabat, a significant move that follows his recent temporary assignment to oversee the diocese amidst serious allegations against the current archbishop, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero. This announcement, made on Saturday, September 12, 2026, comes in the wake of an ongoing investigation into accusations of sexual violence levied against López Romero by five women.

According to an official statement released by the Apostolic Nunciature in Morocco, Dorado had already been appointed as the temporary overseer of the Archdiocese of Rabat as of August 1, 2026. His new role as coadjutor archbishop signifies that he will work alongside the current archbishop and is set to take over leadership of the archdiocese once the current archbishop's tenure concludes. This appointment reflects a strategic move by the Vatican to ensure stability within the archdiocese during a tumultuous period.

Background and Responsibilities

Cardinal López Romero's decision to step back from his administrative duties came as he faced serious allegations, prompting him to travel to Spain. In the meantime, Father Dorado has been tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the archdiocese while the investigation into the allegations continues. Representatives involved in the investigation visited Morocco in August, gathering testimonies from the accusers and other witnesses to build a clearer picture of the situation.

Born in Madrid on March 16, 1974, Mario León Dorado was ordained as a priest in 2001 and relocated to Laayoune in 2004. He has held various roles within the church, including serving as the administrator of the Apostolic Prefecture of Laayoune since 2009 and being appointed apostolic prefect in 2013. His extensive experience within the church positions him well for his new responsibilities as he steps into this pivotal role in Rabat during a time of uncertainty and transition.

As reported by en.hespress.com.