Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, Archbishop of Rabat, has announced in a statement released 8 July that he is temporarily stepping back from public ministry following accusations of “inappropriate behaviour towards adult women” and that he is cooperating with the Church’s preliminary investigation.

French news agency AFP quoted Cardinal López ‌Romero, who said: “I have committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment.”

AFP reported in an investigation that at least five women ​had accused him of sexual assault.

He said in his letter: “During this period of inquiry, in order not to hinder it, I will take a step back, presiding over no public celebration, and not intervening in any pastoral activity, and you will understand this.

“This event shakes us all up. As Archbishop, I am fully aware of the difficulties that this causes and the legitimate questions that it could raise for everyone. Therefore, I want the members of the diocesan community to be informed of this immediately.”

Cardinal López Romero said that, as Archbishop, he was “fully aware of the difficulties that this causes and the legitimate questions that it could raise for everyone”.

As the investigation continues, he asked for prayers for those suffering from the situation, the Church, and himself.

“Our diocesan Church is alive, let us continue, in trust, to nourish it with the taste of the Gospel,” he said.

“Let us remain united and let life with Christ win us over and push us forward, which is the most important thing.”

Cardinal López Romero has served as Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, since 2018. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019.

The Archdiocese of Rabat serves around 21,000 Catholics, which is 0.1 per cent of the population.