A Spanish-born Catholic cardinal and archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, is stepping back from duties after an AFP investigation reported allegations of sexual assault by at least five women. The churchman, Cristobal Lopez Romero, 74, announces he is “stepping back” as the Vatican initiates an inquiry into the claims. According to the investigation, AFP interviewed a retired woman connected to Church activities and reviewed written testimony from another woman, with the allegations presented through documented complaints. One complainant submitted a written complaint in May to the Vatican embassy in Morocco, which AFP has seen. Lopez Romero denies any wrongdoing. The report places the episode amid wider speculation about leadership changes in the Catholic Church following Pope Francis’s tenure. Multiple outlets describe Lopez Romero as a potential successor to the pope, but the reported accusations have prompted his withdrawal from active responsibilities while the Vatican examines the matter.
Morocco cardinal accused of sexual assault steps back as Vatican investigates
A Spanish-born Catholic cardinal and archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, is stepping back from duties after an AFP investigation reported allegations of sexual assault by at least five women. The churchman,...
- An AFP investigation reports that at least five women accuse Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero of sexual assault.
- Lopez Romero, archbishop of Rabat in Morocco, says he is stepping back from duties.
- Lopez Romero denies wrongdoing.
- One complainant filed a written complaint in May to the Vatican embassy in Morocco; AFP has seen the complaint.
- The Vatican holds or begins an inquiry into the allegations.
A Catholic cardinal touted as one of the favourites to replace Pope Francis said he was "stepping back" from office Tuesday after an AFP investigation revealed at least five women had accused him of sexual assault.Spanish-born Cristobal Lopez Romero, 74, the Archbishop of Rabat in Morocco, denies wrongdoing.One woman who said he molested her made a written complaint about the cardinal in May to the Vatican embassy in Morocco, which AFP has seen.
2 hours agoAt least five women have accused the archbishop of Rabat of sexual assault, according to an Agence France-Presse investigation, prompting the Spanish-born cleric to announce he was “stepping back” on Tuesday while the Vatican holds an inquiry. Agence France-Presse 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...
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