Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Mario León Dorado as coadjutor archbishop of Rabat on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero officially remains archbishop of the Moroccan capital but has stepped back from public and pastoral activities while the Vatican conducts a preliminary inquiry into allegations of sexual violence and inappropriate behavior against him, which he denies.
The Vatican’s statement made no reference to the inquiry, limiting its announcement to Dorado’s appointment. Until now, Dorado had served as apostolic prefect of Western Sahara and, since August, as apostolic administrator of Rabat. This appointment resolves an unusual situation that has gripped the archdiocese for over two months.
A coadjutor archbishop is appointed to assist the incumbent and holds an automatic right of succession. When the position becomes vacant due to a resignation, transfer, or death, the coadjutor immediately assumes leadership of the archdiocese. Dorado’s appointment thus establishes a clear line of succession to Cardinal López Romero, without, in itself, constituting a decision on the allegations against the cardinal.
Dorado, 52, was born in Madrid on March 16, 1974. After studying computer science, he earned a degree in theology from the San Dámaso Faculty. A member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, he took his first vows in 1996 and was ordained a priest in 2001.
He was sent to Western Sahara in 2004, serving as apostolic administrator from 2009 to 2013 before becoming apostolic prefect. He has therefore dedicated over 20 years to serving in the region.
On August 1, the Dicastery for Evangelization had already appointed him apostolic administrator of Rabat sede plena. This meant he took charge while the archdiocese remained canonically occupied, granting him the necessary powers and responsibilities to manage its day-to-day affairs pending the outcome of the inquiry.
From August 5 to 7, two Vatican-appointed representatives, Bishop Hyacinthe Dione and Father Augustin Chako-Yodi, traveled to Rabat. They met with members of the pastoral and presbyteral councils, women who had made allegations against the cardinal, and other individuals who wished to testify. Their mission also extended to reviewing the diocese’s economic, pastoral, and liturgical management.
The case emerged in early July after an AFP investigation reported allegations made by at least five adult women. López Romero was appointed archbishop of Rabat in 2017 and made a cardinal in 2019. He was also among the prelates considered possible successors to Pope Francis during the 2025 conclave.
According to the Public Prosecution and police, no complaint had been filed with Moroccan authorities at the time. The 74-year-old cardinal stated he had “committed neither assault nor violence nor sexual harassment.” Nevertheless, he announced his temporary withdrawal, citing a desire not to interfere with the Church’s investigation.
In a statement released Saturday, López Romero said he had discussed appointing a coadjutor with Pope Francis as early as the end of 2024. He renewed the request with Leo XIV in October 2025 and stated he was still “waiting” to be heard by the Dicastery for Evangelization, which is handling the case.
Dorado, meanwhile, expressed that he welcomed the new responsibility “with joy.” His appointment as coadjutor provides the archdiocese with a clear succession plan, while Cardinal López Romero remains in office until his resignation is accepted or another canonical decision is made.
López Romero will turn 75 in May 2027, the age at which bishops are required to submit their resignation to the pope. The pope retains the discretion to accept the resignation immediately or defer it.
