On Monday, at least five women accused Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat, of sexual assault, according to sources close to the case and testimonies from the victims obtained by AFP. The 74-year-old prelate has been suspended from his duties by the Vatican while the internal investigation is underway.
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One of the women interviewed was a retired woman who actively collaborated with the Church, who referred to repeated sexual assaults. AFP also consulted the written testimony of another woman sent to the Apostolic Nunciature in the Moroccan capital.
She accuses the cardinal of inappropriate physical gestures, particularly insistent hugs, and an attempted physical advance from which she escaped. A diocesan source confirmed that at least three other women reported similar incidents during confession.
No formal complaint has been filed with the Moroccan justice system, confirmed Vicar General Marc Helfer. The investigation rests exclusively with the Vatican.
López Romero, who was among the most prominent cardinals in the May 2025 conclave and was presented by the media as a potential papal candidate, issued a statement affirming: “I have not committed any assault, violence, or sexual harassment.”
The religious leader assured that he will continue to fully cooperate with his superiors. Appointed by the Pope, cardinals form the inner circle of the Church’s highest dignitaries.
Abusos sexuales cometidos por integrantes del clero han llevado a la desconfianza hacia la iglesia católica, reconoce el sacerdote Anastasio Hidalgo Miramón pic.twitter.com/BnidxGOmIC
— La Jornada de Oriente (@JornadaOriente) July 6, 2026
The text reads, “Sexual abuse committed by the clergy members have led to distrust of the Catholic Church, acknowledges Father Anastasio Hidalgo Miramón”
This case adds to the scandals that have plagued the Catholic Church. During the pontificate of Francis (2013-2025), a zero-tolerance policy was reaffirmed, and reforms were implemented to improve the handling of allegations of clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up.
López Romero, originally from Almería, Spain, and a Paraguayan citizen after nearly 20 years of service in Paraguay and Bolivia, maintains strong ties with the South American Church. The Archdiocese of the Most Holy Assumption, led by Cardinal Adalberto Martínez, issued a statement expressing its confidence in the full clarification of the allegations of sexual abuse.
The Paraguayan ecclesiastical authority stated that it was aware of the statement from Rabat, in which the prelate announced his removal from office upon confirming the investigation into inappropriate behavior toward adult women. The Archdiocese indicated that it considers it appropriate to await the outcome of the investigations and is offering its prayers for those involved. It also expressed its confidence that the process will unfold in accordance with truth, justice, and charity.
Pope Leo XIV Highlights the Power of Collective Faith during his final mass in #Malabo In his final homily on African soil, the Pope delivered a powerful message of hope, centering on Christ as the ultimate refuge for Christians facing worldly suffering… #Africa #teleSUREnglish… pic.twitter.com/cxury2ddcr
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) April 23, 2026
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