Cardinal in Morocco steps aside after molestation claims

Harry Archie July 7, 2026

At least five women have accused the archbishop of Rabat of sexual assault, according to an AFP investigation, prompting the Spanish-born cleric to announce he was “stepping back” Tuesday while the Vatican holds an inquiry.

AFP interviewed a retired woman involved in the Church and reviewed the written testimony of another woman who said Cristobal Lopez Romero had sexually assaulted them.

The 74-year-old archbishop denied all wrongdoing when contacted by AFP.

At least three other women have been victims of similar acts by Lopez, a diocesan source alleged, but AFP was not able to verify their claims as some were allegedly made during confession.

The written complaint, which was sent to the Vatican embassy in Rabat, accused Lopez of “inappropriate” physical contact, including “particularly intense and prolonged embraces” and “an attempt to get physically close” to kiss her.

Lopez said he was “aware of the allegations”, adding that he had “already responded to my ecclesiastical superiors and I will continue to fully cooperate with them in the investigation”.

“I have committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment,” he said.

Lopez also announced he would “step back” from his duties while the Vatican probes the allegations.

The Holy See did not immediately respond to AFP’s requests for comment.

– Top cardinal –

The Catholic Church has been dogged by child abuse by paedophile priests for decades, with Pope Francis — who vowed to tackle the “culture of abuse” — criticised for not doing enough to stop cover-ups.

Marie Collins, an Irish victim he appointed to the Vatican commission to tackle the problem, resigned after three years in 2017 claiming senior clerics were still putting “other concerns” before the safety of children and vulnerable adults.

Lopez, a top cardinal, was seen by some as a potential successor to Pope Francis in the 2025 conclave.

Chosen by the pope, cardinals form the inner circle of the Catholic Church’s senior leadership and advise the pontiff in governing the Church. Those under 80 also take part in the conclave to elect his successor.

No complaint about Lopez has been filed with Moroccan authorities.

Nadia Debbache, a Moroccan lawyer specialising in sexual violence cases, said the acts the cardinal is accused of could amount to “aggravated sexual harassment and aggravated sexual assault… the aggravating factor being the abuse of authority by their alleged perpetrator”.

Lopez is a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco religious order.

Ordained a priest in 1979, he holds degrees in philosophy and theology and a journalism diploma.

He was president of the Conference of Bishops of North Africa from 2022 to 2025 and the Vatican department for interreligious dialogue from 2020.

AFP