Resignation of the Grand Imam of Morocco Amid Allegations of Sexual Assault

Ahmed Salem

The Archbishop of Rabat, Cristóbal López Romero, has announced his resignation after at least 5 women accused him of sexual assault, according to an investigation by Agence France-Presse.

Agence France-Presse spoke directly with one retired clergywoman and reviewed a written statement from a second. Both women accused the 74-year-old, Spanish-born clergyman of sexually assaulting them.

A source from the diocese told AFP that at least three other women may have experienced similar treatment. The agency was unable to confirm these additional claims, partly because some of them were revealed during confession.

A formal written complaint was sent to the Vatican Embassy in Rabat. The complaint described unwanted physical contact, including a prolonged hug and an attempted kiss on one of the women.

The Archbishop responded

López Romero acknowledged awareness of the allegations, stated he had already answered questions from Church leaders, and would continue to cooperate with the Vatican's investigation, strongly denying any wrongdoing and saying he never assaulted or harassed anyone.

He then announced he would step down pending the investigation, and the Vatican has not yet made any public comment.

A cardinal was a former candidate for the papacy.

López Romero is a senior cardinal and has been considered by some Vatican observers as a potential candidate to succeed Pope Francis during the 2025 papal conclave.

Cardinals form the highest leadership level in the Catholic Church, advising the Pope and, if under the age of eighty, voting to elect his successor.

This case adds to years of scrutiny over how the Church has handled allegations of sexual abuse. Pope Francis had promised to end what he described as a culture of cover-up, but critics, including former Vatican advisor Mary Collins, have said senior clergy are still prioritizing the Church's interests over victims' safety. Collins resigned from her advisory position in 2017 due to this concern.

No official report has been filed.

No official complaint has been filed with the Moroccan authorities. Moroccan lawyer Nadia Dabbagh, who specializes in sexual violence cases, said the alleged behavior could be classified as aggravated sexual harassment and assault, given the archbishop's position.