Pope Appoints New Auxiliary Archbishop Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

In a significant development within the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Spanish cleric Mario León Dorado as the new auxiliary archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, amidst serious sexual misconduct allegations against the current archbishop, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero. This decision, made on September 12, 2026, follows the Vatican's initiation of an investigation into the 74-year-old cardinal after multiple adult women accused him of behaving inappropriately. The appointment of León Dorado, who is 52 years old, not only addresses the immediate leadership needs of the Archdiocese of Rabat but also positions him as a likely successor to López Romero. Since the cardinal's withdrawal from his duties in July 2026, León Dorado has been temporarily managing the archdiocese, ensuring continuity in church leadership during this tumultuous period.

Cardinal López Romero, who has a long history of service in various countries including Spain, Paraguay, and Bolivia, entered the Salesian order at the young age of 16. His elevation to the role of archbishop of Rabat came in 2017, when Pope Francis appointed him to lead the archdiocese, which serves a small Catholic community in the predominantly Muslim country. Just two years later, in 2019, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal. However, the recent allegations have prompted him to step back from public duties and church operations, a move he has made to avoid hindering the ongoing investigation. While he firmly denies the accusations against him, his decision to refrain from public appearances underscores the gravity of the situation.

The Vatican's investigation into Cardinal López Romero's conduct highlights the Church's ongoing efforts to address and rectify issues of sexual misconduct within its ranks. The outcome of this inquiry will not only impact the cardinal's future but also the broader perception of the Church's commitment to accountability and transparency. As the situation develops, the appointment of León Dorado as auxiliary archbishop may play a crucial role in stabilizing the leadership of the Archdiocese of Rabat during this challenging time.

As reported by kathpress.at.