At least five women have brought forward serious allegations of sexual violence against Cristobal Lopez Romero, the 74-year-old Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco. These claims have triggered an official Vatican investigation, leading the influential cardinal to step back from his public duties as of Tuesday.

I spoke with a retired woman actively involved in the Church who, at this stage, chose not to disclose the full details of her testimony but confirmed experiencing repeated sexual assaults. Furthermore, I reviewed the written statement of another woman, submitted directly to the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s embassy in the Moroccan capital.

Her account implicates the cardinal in “physical gestures” she deemed “inappropriate,” specifically mentioning “particularly forceful and prolonged embraces.” She also described an “attempt at physical closeness that could be likened to an attempt” to kiss her, which she stated she “narrowly managed to evade.” A source within the diocese also shared that at least three additional women had reported similar experiences, with some of these disclosures made during confession.

When approached about these accusations, the Archbishop stated he had “responded to [his] ecclesiastical superiors.” He affirmed his commitment to “continue to cooperate fully with them in the investigation” that has been initiated, while steadfastly denying that he had “committed any assault, violence, or sexual harassment.” In a separate message to the faithful of the diocese, he further explained, “During this investigative period, to avoid hindering it, I will withdraw, refraining from presiding over any public celebrations or participating in any pastoral activities.”

An influential cardinal faces scrutiny

The Holy See has not yet provided an immediate response to inquiries. Cardinals, chosen personally by the Pope, represent the highest echelons of the Church hierarchy, tasked with assisting the pontiff in his governance. Cardinals under 80 years old are also eligible to participate in the conclave to elect a new successor to the papacy.

During the conclave held in May 2025, Lopez Romero was considered among the most prominent and influential cardinals. Several media outlets had even identified him as a “papabile,” a term used for cardinals believed to have a strong chance of being elected Pope.