Moroccan Archbishop Accused of Sexual Harassment by 5 Women, Denies Misconduct, Steps Down Temporarily

RABAT, Morocco (CNA, July 8) - According to an investigation by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Archbishop Cristobal Lopez Romero of Rabat, Morocco, once considered a potential successor to the Pope, has been accused of sexual harassment by at least five women. Romero subsequently announced a temporary leave from his current position, stating that the Church has initiated a preliminary investigation, but he denies any misconduct.

AFP reported that a woman claiming to have been molested by Romero filed a written complaint with the Apostolic Nunciature to Morocco in May of this year, accusing Romero of "exceptionally persistent and prolonged hugs" and "attempting to approach her body in a manner that could be interpreted as an attempt to kiss her." She stated that she "barely managed" to evade him at the time. AFP has reviewed this complaint document.

A church source within the Archdiocese of Rabat stated that at least five similar complaint documents have been received, drawing attention to the archdiocese.

In a written response to AFP, the 74-year-old Archbishop Romero, born in Spain, admitted that he has "been accused of misconduct towards adult women. This situation has prompted the Church to launch a preliminary investigation," but he insisted that "there was no assault, violence, or sexual harassment."

However, archdiocese sources accused Romero of being surrounded by a "culture of complicity and silence" that helped cover for him, and stated that "close colleagues" who have known Romero for many years revealed that he had similar behavior in the past when he served as a missionary in South America.

Romero was previously known for his engaging image as a "street priest," serving long-term in impoverished communities, and later became a leader of his Salesian Order in Paraguay, Bolivia, and Spain.

After the death of Pope Francis last April, Catholic authoritative media "Crux" reported that Romero was praised by Vatican observers and several cardinals, who included him on the list of papal candidates.

However, Romero himself claimed to have "absolutely no ambition to become Pope" and withdrew from the election four days before the consistory.

Auxiliary Bishop Marc Helfer of the Archdiocese of Rabat told AFP that before Romero's shocking statement yesterday, the internal investigation mechanism of the Catholic Church should have been allowed to complete its procedures, and insisted, "We are not covering up for anyone." (Compiled by Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150708

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