Vatican investigates Rabat cardinal over alleged abuse of adult women

The Vatican has launched a preliminary investigation into Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the Spanish-born archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, following accusations of sexual abuse involving several adult women. Cardinal López himself announced the investigation in a statement released by the Moroccan archdiocese.

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I have not committed any assault, nor violence, nor sexual harassment.

In his statement, the 77-year-old cardinal asserted, "I have not committed any assault, nor violence, nor sexual harassment." He confirmed that the Church is conducting an investigation, which he is cooperating with. The Holy See's Press Office stated it refers to the cardinal's communication and declined further comment at this time.

According to the Efe news agency, citing AFP, five women have accused the cardinal. However, Moroccan judicial sources have told Efe that no abuse complaints have been filed in Moroccan courts. This suggests the investigation is internal to the Church, initiated by complaints sent to the Holy See.

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This situation has led the Church to open a preliminary investigation. Said investigation is underway and is in the hands of the Roman Catholic Church, with which I am cooperating.

Cardinal López, who has led the Rabat archdiocese since 2017 and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, has stated that to avoid hindering the investigation, he will refrain from presiding over public celebrations or participating in pastoral activities. He acknowledged the situation is unsettling and expressed a desire for the diocesan community to be informed promptly. He concluded his statement by asking for prayers for those suffering, for the Church, and for himself.

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During this investigation, so as not to hinder it, I will remain on the sidelines, I will not preside over any public celebration nor participate in any pastoral activity.

López Romero, originally from Almería, Spain, served as a missionary in Paraguay and Bolivia before moving to Morocco. He was considered a potential candidate for the papacy in the last conclave.

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This event worries us all.