Pope Leo XIV's Recent Appointment in Rabat, Morocco
On September 13, 2026, Pope Leo XIV made a significant decision by appointing Father Mario León Dorado, O.M.I., as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Rabat, Morocco. This appointment follows the voluntary resignation of Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the former Archbishop, who stepped down from his position on July 8 amid a preliminary investigation into allegations of violence against women. The situation called for a new leadership to ensure the continued guidance and administration of the diocese.
Father Mario León Dorado, born on March 16, 1974, in Madrid, Spain, has a rich background in both technology and theology. After completing his studies in Computer Science at the Faculty of Computer Science in Madrid, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from San Dámaso Theological Faculty. He joined the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, taking his first religious vows on September 15, 1996, and was ordained a priest on June 2, 2001.
His early ministry included serving as a parish vicar in Jaén, Spain, from 2000 to 2004 before being assigned to the Apostolic Prefecture of Western Sahara. There, he served as the Apostolic Administrator from 2009 to 2013 and was appointed as the Apostolic Prefect of Western Sahara in 2013. Most recently, he took on the role of Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Rabat starting in August 2026.
As the new Coadjutor Archbishop, Father León Dorado brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to serve the Catholic community in Morocco during a challenging time. His leadership will be pivotal as the Archdiocese navigates the complexities arising from the recent changes in its leadership.
As reported by aciprensa.com.
