• Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero steps back amid accusations of sexual assault by multiple women.
• The Vatican has opened an investigation following the allegations reported by Agence France-Presse.
• Lopez denies any wrongdoing and plans to cooperate fully with the inquiry.

Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, the Archbishop of Rabat, has announced he is stepping back from his duties following allegations of sexual assault from at least five women, as detailed in a recent investigation by Agence France-Presse (AFP). The 74-year-old cleric issued this statement while the Vatican has initiated an inquiry into the claims against him, which include accusations of inappropriate physical contact and attempts at intimacy that were reportedly rebuffed by the victims, according to SCMP, Le Monde, and Africanews.

The cardinal, originally from Spain, faces allegations from multiple women regarding unwanted physical contact, including "particularly insistent and prolonged hugs" and attempts at kissing, one of the complainants stated in a written complaint submitted to the Vatican's embassy in Morocco. These incidents have reportedly stemmed from several women who felt they could not voice their allegations freely, as some were disclosed during confession, according to sources cited by SCMP and Le Monde.

In response to the allegations, López Romero has stated that he is aware of the accusations and has already answered questions from Church authorities. He has firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he has not committed assault or harassment. This response has not assuaged concerns, with some church insiders alleging a "culture of complicity and silence" surrounding López Ortiz, which reportedly enabled his questionable behavior to go unchecked, based on information from Le Monde and Africanews.

While no formal complaint has been filed with Moroccan authorities, the gravity of the claims could lead to legal implications, as pointed out by Nadia Debbache, a lawyer specializing in sexual violence cases. She commented that the conduct described could constitute aggravated sexual harassment and assault given López Romero's clerical status and authority, per reports from SCMP and Africanews.

López Romero was once considered a possible successor to Pope Francis in the next conclave due to his influential role within the Church. His abrupt decision to step back raises questions regarding the Church's handling of abuse allegations, as highlighted by critics who have accused the Vatican hierarchy of prioritizing institutional interests over victim safety, according to Le Monde and Africanews.