ZASpanish Cardinal Juan Antonio López Romero has suspended himself from public duties following allegations of sexual assault by at least five women, according to reports by AFP and the Vatican News. In a statement, López Romero denied the accusations, stating he has committed neither assault, violence, nor sexual harassment. The Vatican has launched a preliminary investigation into the matter. López Romero, who has been a cardinal since 2019 and Archbishop of Rabat since 2018, is regarded as a relatively progressive figure within the Catholic Church and was considered a potential candidate for pope during last year’s conclave. He has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and has stepped back from public celebrations and pastoral activities to avoid interfering with the process.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the allegations and the cardinal's denial without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both the accused and the news agency, providing balanced information without editorializing or emphasizing one perspective over another.
