Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Mario Leon Dorado as coadjutor archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, positioning him to succeed Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero, who is currently under Vatican investigation over allegations of sexual assault.
The Vatican announced the appointment on Saturday, describing Dorado as the “coadjutor archbishop” of the Moroccan archdiocese. The position allows him to assist the sitting archbishop and automatically succeed him if the incumbent retires or dies.
Dorado, a 52-year-old Spanish priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, had spent nearly 25 years serving in Western Sahara, where he eventually became apostolic prefect.
He was appointed apostolic administrator of Rabat in August, following allegations against Romero. The role involves temporarily administering a diocese when its bishop
is unable to carry out his duties.On July 8, AFP reported that at least five women had accused Romero, who was among the prominent cardinals considered as possible successors to Pope Francis in 2025, of sexual violence and inappropriate behaviour.
No formal complaint has so far been lodged with the Moroccan judiciary, according to the prosecutor’s office and police who spoke to AFP.
Romero, responding to AFP’s inquiries, said he “committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment”, while announcing that he was stepping aside pending the outcome of the Vatican investigation.
Romero’s tenure as Archbishop of Rabat is officially expected to end in 2027.
Following Dorado’s appointment as apostolic administrator, two Vatican investigators travelled to Rabat to interview some of Romero’s alleged victims and members of the archdiocese.
