Rabat – Pope Francis has appointed Rabat’s archbishop Cristobal Lopez Romero as one of the new 13 cardinals.
Vatican News said that the new cardinals will be promoted at a consistory that will take place on October 5 at the Vatican.
“Their origin expresses the missionary vocation of the church which continues to proclaim the merciful love of God to all the men of the earth,” the Pope said.
Pope Francis appointed Lopez Romero in December 2018. He was then ordained as the new archbishop of Rabat in March 2018. He succeeded former archbishop Vincent Landel, who resigned for age reasons.
Born in 1952, Cristobal was ordained a priest in 1979 in Barcelona. The new archbishop has a vast knowledge of Moroccan culture, having worked in Morocco since 2003. The Spaniard also held a position in Paraguay from 1984 to 2002.
According to Agenzia Info Salesiana, Cristobal holds a degree in journalism from the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
The promotion of Romero Lopez came six months after the visit of Pope Francis to Morocco. The visit which took place on March 30-31 was the first visit for the pope.
During his visit, the Pope met with King Mohammed VI, senior officials, and migrants.
The Pope enjoyed his visit to Morocco, delivering statements to express gratitude for the warm welcome he received.
“Last Saturday and Sunday [March 30-31], I completed an Apostolic Journey to Morocco, and I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the other authorities, for their warm welcome.”
The Pope also said that it was an honor and a joy to visit the “noble kingdom of Morocco.”
