Agadir – The Vatican has named Mario León Dorado as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Rabat on a provisional basis, pending the outcome of an investigation into Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero following allegations of sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior.
Under the appointment, Dorado will serve as Apostolic Administrator sede plena, a role that grants him all the rights and responsibilities normally exercised by the diocesan bishop while the archbishop remains in office but is unable to govern the archdiocese.
In his statement, the 74-year-old Spanish cardinal said the measure would remain in place while the Holy See completes its investigation.
“This decision comes pending the results of the investigation conducted by the Holy See concerning me and concerning the diocese,” López Romero said, adding that he remains the titular Archbishop of Rabat but with his jurisdiction suspended.
The Vatican’s decision follows revelations of at least five women accusing López Romero of sexual violence and inappropriate conduct. The cardinal has denied the allegations, stating that he committed “neither aggression nor violence nor sexual harassment.”
He previously announced that he was stepping back from his administrative responsibilities to allow the Vatican’s preliminary investigation to proceed.
Read also: Women Accuse Rabat Archbishop of Sexual Violence, Vatican Opens Inquiry
According to Moroccan judicial authorities cited by AFP, no formal complaint has been filed with Morocco’s justice system regarding the allegations.
Father Mario León Dorado, a Spanish priest and member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), has served in Morocco’s southern provinces in Western Sahara for nearly 25 years. He currently heads the Apostolic Prefecture of Laayoune-Sahara.
Meanwhile, AFP reported that the two alleged victims whose testimonies formed part of its investigation have not yet been contacted by the Holy See for questioning.
Members of the group expressed hope that the appointment of an apostolic administrator would lead to greater attention being given to alleged victims and whistleblowers during the ongoing investigation.
