Cardinal-archbishop of Rabat accused of sexual abuse, Vatican opens investigation
At least five women accuse the cardinal-archbishop of Rabat, once considered a "papabile," of sexual abuse, according to an AFP investigation.
The Vatican has opened an investigation into these allegations; the prelate himself stepped aside from duties on July 7, denying the accusations.
AFP spoke with a retiree active in the Catholic Church in Morocco, who at this stage did not allow the exact content of her testimony to be disclosed but reported repeated sexual harassment. Also examined was the written testimony of another woman sent to the apostolic nunciature, the Vatican embassy in the Moroccan capital.
She accuses Spanish Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, 74, of "physical gestures" that she "perceived as inappropriate," including "particularly insistent and prolonged hugs" and "an attempt at physical closeness that could be interpreted as an attempt" to kiss her, from which she, according to her, "barely managed to pull away." A source in the diocese also told AFP that he is aware of at least three other women who have reported "similar facts."
Contacted regarding these accusations, the archbishop stated that he had committed "neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment" and called for "full respect for the principle of presumption of innocence." He specified that he had "responded to (his) ecclesiastical superiors." "I will continue to fully cooperate with them in the investigation," which has been opened, he added.
"During the period of the investigation, so as not to hinder it, I will take a pause, will not preside over public liturgies, and will not participate in pastoral activity," he added in another statement to the faithful of the diocese, transmitted to AFP. The Holy See did not respond to AFP's requests.
To date, no complaints have been filed with Moroccan courts, AFP was told by Vicar General Marc Elfer, the immediate deputy of Cristóbal López Romero.
According to Nadia Debbagh, a lawyer specializing in this field, the described facts fall under "qualified sexual harassment and qualified sexual assault" in the case of the retiree, and "qualified sexual harassment and attempted qualified sexual assault" in the case of the other woman, "with the aggravating circumstance of abuse of authority by the alleged perpetrator." AFP was unable to determine the exact nature of the three other statements.
A member of two dicasteries (ministries) of the Vatican, Cristóbal López Romero, a Salesian (a religious order founded in the 19th century by Saint John Bosco (Don Bosco)), is known for his commitment to interreligious dialogue. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019.
