The Archbishop of Rabat, Cristóbal López Romero, is stepping back from his duties after at least five women accused him of sexual assault, according to an investigation by the AFP news agency.
The Vatican has opened an inquiry into the claims.
What the accusers say
AFP spoke directly with one retired churchwoman and reviewed a written statement from a second woman. Both accused the 74-year-old Spanish-born cleric of sexually assaulting them.
A diocesan source told AFP that at least three more women may have suffered similar treatment. AFP could not confirm these additional claims, partly because some were reportedly disclosed during confession.
