RABAT: At least five women have accused the archbishop of Rabat of sexual assault, according to an investigation, prompting the Spanish-born cleric to announce he was “stepping back” on Tuesday while the Vatican holds an inquiry.
This news agency 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.
At least three other women have been victims of similar acts by Lopez, a diocesan source alleged, but this news agency was not able to verify their claims as some were allegedly made during confession.
The written complaint, which was sent to the Vatican embassy in Rabat, accused Lopez of “inappropriate” physical contact, including “particularly intense and prolonged embraces” and “an attempt to get physically close” to kiss her.
Lopez said he was “aware of the allegations”, adding that he had “already responded to my ecclesiastical superiors and I will continue to fully cooperate with them in the investigation”.
