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🇧🇪 Belgium /Crime & Justice

Archbishop Christobal Lopez Romero of Rabat Steps Aside Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Archbishop Christobal Lopez Romero of Rabat has stepped down following accusations of sexual abuse from at least five women.
  • The Vatican has opened an investigation into the allegations, which include inappropriate physical gestures and prolonged embraces.
  • Romero denies the accusations but will cooperate with the investigation and temporarily cease public religious duties.

Christobal Lopez Romero, the 74-year-old Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, has withdrawn from his duties following accusations of sexual abuse made by at least five women. An investigation by the French press agency AFP, which gathered testimonies, prompted the Vatican to open its own inquiry.

physical gestures

— AccuserDescription of Archbishop Romero's behavior by one of the accusers.

One anonymous retired woman testified about repeated sexual abuse. Another woman reported inappropriate "physical gestures" to the Vatican's embassy in Morocco, describing "particularly emphatic and prolonged hugs and an attempt at physical contact that could be equated with an attempt to kiss her," from which she says she "barely escaped." A source within the diocese indicated that three other women testified about similar incidents during confession.

particularly emphatic and prolonged hugs and an attempt at physical contact that could be equated with an attempt to kiss her

— AccuserFurther details provided by an accuser about the nature of the alleged inappropriate contact.

Archbishop Romero stated that he will fully cooperate with the investigation but maintains his innocence, asserting he has not committed assault, violence, or sexual harassment. To avoid hindering the investigation, he has announced he will step back from public duties, including leading public services and participating in pastoral activities for a period.

barely escaped

— AccuserThe accuser's reaction to the alleged attempted kiss.

Romero is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and an influential cardinal within the Vatican. He was even mentioned as a potential candidate for the papacy in 2025, making these accusations particularly significant.

similar facts

— Source within the dioceseIndication that other women have reported comparable incidents.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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