Cardinal Cristobal López Romero, a former papal candidate, suspended from duties after sexual harassment charges

Cardinal Cristobal López Romero, the Archbishop of Rabat, has announced that he is temporarily suspended from official duties following the revelation of charges alleging sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. The allegations were reported by the France Press Agency, which cited documents and sources close to the case. The cardinal, a 74-year-old Spanish-born bishop who has served in Rabat since 2018, denied the accusations, stating that no assault, violence, or sexual harassment had been committed.

According to the France Press Agency, at least five women have filed complaints against the cardinal. One retired woman who worked at the Rabat Church, identified in the report as Adelaide, stated that she had reported repeated sexual abuse to the Attorney-General of the Rabat parish before sending a letter to the Vatican Embassy in Rabat on April 22, 2026. Another woman provided a certificate to the Vatican Embassy accusing the bishop of physical misconduct, including a prolonged hug and an attempted kiss, which she said she narrowly avoided. A source at the church indicated that at least three other women had reported similar incidents.

In response to the reports, Cardinal Romero issued a statement confirming his temporary suspension from duty. He explained that he is accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior toward adult women, which prompted the church to open a preliminary investigation. The reports have been transmitted to the Vatican, but no formal complaint has been filed with the Moroccan judiciary, according to the France Press Agency and Attorney General Mark Helfer, who is described as Romero’s direct assistant.

The cardinal had been a participant in the recent papal conclave in May 2025, during which Pope Francis was elected. He was considered a potential candidate for the papacy, with the Catholic magazine National Catholic Review noting that his background as a bridge between cultures and continents might have made him a balancing figure for the office. However, Romero withdrew from the candidacy four days before the vote, stating he had no ambition to take the position.

Romero is a member of two Vatican ministries and is known for his involvement in interreligious dialogue. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019. The current suspension and investigation highlight the institutional mechanisms in place to address allegations against high-ranking clergy, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice within the church.

The situation underscores the importance of protecting victims and ensuring that allegations are handled with care and precision. As the church navigates these serious claims, the focus remains on truth, mercy, and the well-being of those affected. The process of preliminary investigation and the transmission of reports to the Vatican reflect the church’s commitment to addressing such matters with integrity and transparency.

In the context of public truth and accountability, the case serves as a reminder of the moral responsibilities of leadership. The biblical call to seek justice and care for the vulnerable, as seen in Micah 6:8, is relevant here, urging a commitment to righteousness and the protection of those who may have been harmed. The church’s response must balance the presumption of innocence with the imperative to address allegations thoroughly and compassionately.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)