At least five women have accused Cristobal Lopez Romero, the Spanish-born archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, of sexual assault, according to an investigation by Agence France-Presse. Following these allegations, the 74-year-old cleric announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping back from his duties while the Vatican conducts an inquiry.

Agence France-Presse interviewed a retired woman involved in the Church and reviewed written testimony from another woman accusing Lopez Romero of sexual assault. A written complaint sent to the Vatican embassy in Rabat detailed claims of “inappropriate” physical contact, including “particularly intense and prolonged embraces” and an attempt to get physically close to kiss her.

Additionally, a diocesan source alleged that at least three other women have been victims of similar acts by Lopez Romero, although these claims could not be independently verified, partly because some were reportedly made during confession.

Lopez Romero has denied all wrongdoing. He stated he was “aware of the allegations” and has already responded to his ecclesiastical superiors. He affirmed, “I have committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment,” and pledged to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Sources