Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Chief Bergoglian Cardinal Accused of Sex-Abuse
Cardinal Cristobal Romero Archbishop of Rabat and, as a "Bergoglian," one of the most ardent defenders of documents such as Amoris laetitia and Fiducia supplicans, is facing allegations of sexual abuse. The Vatican has initiated a preliminary investigation.
[Katholisches ] The Spanish Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero is of the best-known representatives of Pope Francis's church-political course in the Hispanic world and a staunch defender of both Amoris laetitia and Fiducia supplicans is facing serious allegations. A preliminary investigation by the Holy See is underway against the Archbishop of Rabat after at least five women accused him of sexual assault or inappropriate behavior.
Cristobal Lopez Romero, a Salesian, was appointed Archbishop of Rabat in Morocco by Francis in 2017. In 2019, Francis created him a cardinal.
Consequently, Lopez Romero has been one of the most prominent Bergoglian figures within the College of Cardinals in recent years. He defended the opening toward remarried divorcees and other irregular unions in the spirit of Amoris laetitia, as well as the Vatican declaration Fiducia supplicans, which allows for the blessing of same-sex couples. During the 2025 conclave, his name was even mentioned among the papabili in progressive circles.
Since 2022, he has served as the President of the North African Bishops' Conference. Under his leadership, this bishops' conference”which is limited to the Arab-Berber-Egyptian north of African”stood by Pope Francis as the only part of Africa to do so when Sub-Saharan Africa unanimously opposed same-sex blessings.
Now, this prominent representative of the Francis line has himself become the focus of an investigation.
According to research by the news agency AFP, at least five women have accused the 74-year-old cardinal of sexual misconduct. The allegations range from repeated sexual assaults to intrusive physical advances. AFP bases its report on the statements of several affected individuals as well as information from within the archdiocese.
One woman, who was active in church work for years, told the agency of repeated sexual assaults. Her full testimony has not yet been published for privacy reasons. Another woman submitted a written statement to the Apostolic Nunciature in Rabat. In it, she describes "physical gestures" that she felt were inappropriate, including particularly prolonged hugs and an attempt to kiss her against her will. According to a source within the archdiocese, at least three other women have reported similar experiences, some of them during confession.
The Vatican has since launched a canonical preliminary investigation. In response, Lopez Romero declared that he would withdraw from the public exercise of his office until the investigation is completed. He will no longer lead public worship services and will not perform any pastoral duties for the time being so as not to interfere with the investigation.
The Cardinal firmly rejects the allegations. Speaking to AFP and the Spanish news agency EFE, he stated that he had committed "neither aggression, nor violence, nor sexual harassment." He is cooperating fully with the responsible church authorities in Rome.
According to Moroccan judicial authorities, no criminal complaint has been filed against the Archbishop with the country's state authorities so far. The investigation is currently limited to the canonical proceedings of the Holy See.
Lopez Romero comes from Almerma, belongs to the Salesians of Don Bosco, and spent nearly two decades as a missionary in Paraguay, whose citizenship he later adopted. After spending further years in Bolivia, Pope Francis dispatched him to Rabat as Archbishop.
Leo XIV also promoted the Spaniard. On June 24, 2025, he appointed him a member of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and on April 9, 2026, a member of the Dicastery for Communication.
The case adds to the ongoing, non-stop series of abuse and cover-up scandals that have shaken the Catholic Church since the post-conciliar era. Although a policy of "zero tolerance” first proclaimed by Benedict XVI”was repeatedly reaffirmed under the pontificate of Francis, but the Argentine Pope repeatedly counteracted his own measures. The allegations raised against one of the best-known champions of his reform course now lends the case a particular church-political volatility.
Until the conclusion of the Vatican investigation, the presumption of innocence applies.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Wikicommons
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG
Canon 844 & Archbishop Hebda Reaches Out to SSPX Friends
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Monday, July 6, 2026
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Friday, July 3, 2026
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Convent Attached to Historic Saint Patrick’s Burned in Arson Attack
Edit: no mention of the people who have been burning churches for centuries. There are 120 Muslims, possibly fewer, occupying Downpatrick.
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| Photo Credit: Stephen Barnes |
[Belfast Telegraph] A former convent in Downpatrick, County Down, was destroyed in a large fire early on June 28, 2026, as over 60 firefighters battled the blaze for hours. The structure, previously the Convent of Mercy, was engulfed in flames that spread rapidly, with thick smoke visible from miles away. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and investigations are ongoing.
Over 60 firefighters from multiple stations responded to the scene, including crews from Downpatrick, Newry, and Bangor, according to the Belfast Telegraph. The fire, which broke out around 4:30 a.m., was so intense that it caused significant structural damage within minutes. Residents in nearby areas reported seeing the flames and hearing alarms for several hours.
The Convent of Mercy, a historic building with ties to the local community, was completely destroyed. Built in the early 20th century, the convent had been abandoned for years before the blaze. The fire service confirmed that the building was a total loss, with no survivors reported. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze, which had spread to adjacent vegetation before being brought under control.
AMDG
Pope Prylest Threatens the Last Workers in the Vinyard
LETTER OF POPE LEO XIV TO THE SUPERIOR GENERAL
To The Reverend
Davide Pagliarani
Superior General
of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X
With a paternal heart, and aware of the responsibility entrusted to me by the Lord as the Successor of the Apostle Peter, I address you and, through you, the bishops, priests, seminarians and faithful connected to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X.
The Church recognizes the devotion to liturgical life, commitment to priestly formation, apostolic zeal and desire for fidelity to Tradition that characterize many people and communities connected to your Fraternity. This has motivated the attentive and generous attitude that my Predecessors have consistently shown to you.
In this spirit, and filled with Christian affection, I plead with you and ask you with all my heart: please turn back! I urge you to consider carefully the spiritual good of the faithful, because the schismatic act you are about to undertake would deprive them of the licit and, in some cases, even valid reception of the Sacraments, which they love and seek for their sanctification.
The Church is open to a path of dialogue and understanding that the Holy Spirit can make possible and fruitful.
I pray for you, because to tear the seamless garment of Christ is a sin of extreme gravity. May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts. With a sorrowful yet hopeful heart, I feel it is my duty, through the authority received from Christ, to ask you to desist from your intended act. I entrust these intentions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.
From the Vatican, 29 June 2026
Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
