Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the Spanish-born archbishop of Rabat, has temporarily withdrawn from leading his diocese after the Catholic Church opened a preliminary investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving at least five women.
The 74-year-old cardinal, created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, announced his suspension of public duties on 7 July 2026, saying he will not preside over liturgical celebrations or attend pastoral engagements until the matter is resolved. One complainant, a retiree, reported repeated sexual assaults to AFP, while another submitted a written testimony to the apostolic nunciature alleging inappropriate physical conduct. A diocesan source indicated at least three additional women have described similar incidents.
López Romero denies all accusations, stating he committed neither aggression, violence, nor sexual harassment. Moroccan prosecutors confirmed no criminal complaint has been filed against him in the country's courts.