Cardinal López "Prepared to Lose His Rank" - Priest Cousin
Cardinal López, a Spanish-born Salesian, is a prominent supporter of Pope Francis’s agenda, was appointed Archbishop of Rabat in 2017 and a cardinal in 2019.
On Monday, he announced that he would temporarily withdraw from public celebrations and pastoral ministry while the Vatican conducts a preliminary investigation into allegations involving at least five adult women. He has admitted to “inappropriate behaviour” but denies committing sexual assault, violence, or harassment.
ElPaís.com has described the allegations as sexual abuse, rather than merely inappropriate hugs or gestures.
Writing for Exaudi.org, Rev. Gea said his cousin had already begun privately accepting the possible consequences: “The image of a papabile, a figure who enjoyed such widespread affection, has come crashing down." And: "Personally, he tells me that he is already living through the anticipated grief of letting go of the offices and rank he held until now.”
Rev. Gea made clear that the allegations were sexual in nature: “Neither he, nor I, nor the family will try to hide the truth. It is what it is. He is neither the first nor the last to fall short of the sixth commandment.”
As president of the bishops’ conference of North Africa, Cardinal López Romero defended Fiducia supplicans on blessing homosexuals. He also published an essay asking, “Is homophobia the issue?”. Days after the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality, the Cardinal said Catholics who disagreed with decisions were nevertheless “morally obligated” to support them.
Picture: Cristóbal López Romero © wikipedia CC BY-SA, #newsFovsdcghga