Vatican Appoints Father Dorado as Coadjutor Archbishop

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Mario Leon Dorado as the coadjutor archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, succeeding Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero, who is currently under investigation for allegations of sexual assault. The Vatican announced this decision on Saturday, stating that Dorado, a 52-year-old Spanish priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, will assist Romero and automatically succeed him if he retires or dies.

Dorado has spent nearly 25 years serving in Western Sahara and was named Rabat’s apostolic administrator in August after the allegations against Romero surfaced. On July 8, it was reported that at least five women accused Romero of sexual violence and inappropriate behavior.

Although no formal complaint has been filed with Moroccan authorities, Romero has denied the allegations, stating he committed no assault or harassment, and has stepped aside pending a Vatican investigation. Romero's term as archbishop is set to end in 2027.