Cristóbal López Romero
Stored: Cristóbal López Romero
| His Eminence Cristóbal López Romero | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Rabat | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Rabat |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of Tangier (Apostolic Administrator) |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 19 May 1979 by Archbishop Emilio Benavent Escuín |
| Consecration: | 10 March 2018 by Cardinal Juan José Omella |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 5 October 2019 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Cristóbal López Romero 19 May 1952 Vélez-Rubio, Spain |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Spanish, Paraguayan |
| Education: | Salesian Seminaries (Girona, Barcelona), Autonomous University of Barcelona |
| Motto: | "Adveniat Regnum Tuum" (Thy Kingdom Come) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Africa |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, born May 19, 1952, is a Spanish-Paraguayan prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and a Salesian, serving as Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, since 2017 and Apostolic Administrator of Tangier since 2019.[1] Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, he is known for fostering Christian-Muslim dialogue in Morocco, a Muslim-majority nation, and advocating for migrants, whom he views as victims of systemic poverty and conflict rather than a societal burden.[2] His motto, “Adveniat Regnum Tuum” (Thy Kingdom Come), embodies his Salesian mission to build God’s Kingdom through education and encounter, as seen in his 2024 Paris conference on Catholic schools in Islamic contexts and his 2023 leadership after Morocco’s earthquake.[3] At 72, López Romero is one of 19 African cardinal-electors in the 2025 papal conclave, starting May 7, where he attended Pope Francis’ funeral and dismissed papabile speculation, humorously noting the papacy’s challenges deter ambition.[4][5]
A Salesian since his youth, López Romero served in Paraguay (1984–2002), Bolivia (2011–2014), and Morocco (2003–2010), holding roles such as provincial of Paraguay and Bolivia.[6] His ministry includes supporting the Al Mowafaqa Ecumenical Institute and hosting Pope Francis’ 2019 Morocco visit, which strengthened interfaith ties.[7] A proponent of the Synod on Synodality, he joined its 2023 session in Rome, urging a Church that listens to the marginalized, and in April 2025, he participated in pre-conclave meetings in Rome, praising Francis’ legacy of openness and dialogue.[8] His dual nationality, adopted after 18 years in Paraguay, reflects his global pastoral identity, which he emphasized in 2025 as a bridge for unity.[5]
Biography
Birth and early life
Cristóbal López Romero was born on May 19, 1952, in Vélez-Rubio, Almería, Spain, to Salvador López and his wife, in a modest rural family.[1] At nine months, his family moved to Badalona, Barcelona, settling in a marginalized neighborhood without basic services, shaping his lifelong advocacy for the poor.[7] At eight, he entered a Salesian school, where his First Communion became a pivotal moment, inspiring his vocation.[7]
Joining the Salesian novitiate in Godelleta, Valencia, at 15, he took his first vows at 16, drawn to Don Bosco’s mission for youth.[6] His early experiences in Spain’s working-class communities fostered his commitment to social justice.[2]
Education
López Romero studied philosophy (1973–1975) and theology (1975–1979) at Salesian seminaries in Girona and Barcelona, earning a bachelor’s degree in theology.[1] In 1982, he completed a licentiate in information sciences (journalism) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, equipping him for evangelization through media.[6] His studies emphasized Salesian values of education and dialogue.[3]
Fluent in Spanish, French, and conversant in Arabic (used in Morocco, though unconfirmed proficiency), his education supported ministry in diverse settings, from Paraguay to North Africa.[2] His journalistic training enhanced his pastoral communication.[7]
Priesthood
Ordained a Salesian priest on May 19, 1979, by Archbishop Emilio Benavent Escuín in Barcelona, López Romero ministered in La Verneda, Barcelona (1979–1984), serving marginalized youth.[1] In 1984, he moved to Paraguay, spending 18 years as a youth pastor, educator, and Salesian provincial (1994–2000), founding the Association of Catholic Journalists of Paraguay.[9] He adopted Paraguayan citizenship, reflecting his deep ties.[5]
From 2003 to 2010, he led the Salesian community in Kénitra, Morocco, as parish priest and school director, later serving as provincial in Bolivia (2011–2014) and Spain (2014–2017).[6] His priesthood focused on interfaith dialogue and migrant support.[2]
Bishop
Appointed Archbishop of Rabat on December 29, 2017, by Pope Francis, López Romero was consecrated on March 10, 2018, by Cardinal Juan José Omella.[10] Named Apostolic Administrator of Tangier on May 24, 2019, he was elevated to cardinal on October 5, 2019, assigned the titular church of San Leone I.[6] He hosted Pope Francis’ 2019 Morocco visit, launching a diocesan synod for dialogue.[2]
As archbishop, López Romero has championed interreligious harmony, supported migrants, and led recovery efforts after the 2023 Morocco earthquake.[11] In 2025, he joined Pope Francis’ funeral rites and pre-conclave meetings, advocating for a dialogical Church.[4]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Rabat | Archbishop | 29 December 2017 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2019 |
| Archdiocese of Tangier | Apostolic Administrator | 24 May 2019 | Present | Supports Morocco’s small Catholic community |
Significant events
- Entered Salesian novitiate, 1967.[1]
- Took first Salesian vows, 1968.[6]
- Ordained priest for Salesian Order, 1979.[1]
- Served in Paraguay, adopted nationality, 1984–2002.[9]
- Led Salesian community in Kénitra, Morocco, 2003–2010.[6]
- Appointed provincial of Bolivia, 2011–2014.[6]
- Named provincial of Spain, 2014–2017.[6]
- Appointed Archbishop of Rabat, 2017.[10]
- Hosted Pope Francis’ Morocco visit, 2019.[2]
- Named Apostolic Administrator of Tangier, 2019.[6]
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis, 2019.[1]
- Launched diocesan synod in Morocco, 2019.[2]
- Participated in Synod on Synodality, 2023.[8]
- Led response to Morocco earthquake, 2023.[11]
- Spoke at Paris conference on education, 2024.[3]
- Attended Pope Francis’ funeral and conclave preparations, 2025.[4]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal López Romero were identified.
Written by the bishop
- No books authored by Cardinal López Romero were identified. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Rabat, but no published books are documented.
External links
- Cristóbal López Romero
- Biography of Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero
- Vatican Biography of Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Cristóbal López Romero". Wikipedia. 2019-09-01. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristóbal_López_Romero.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 "Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero". The College of Cardinals Report. 2024-11-23. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/cardinal-cristóbal-lópez-romero/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "The Archbishop of Rabat, Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, in Paris". Salesian Bulletin. 2024-03-05. https://salesianbulletin.org/en/the-archbishop-of-rabat-cardinal-cristóbal-lópez-romero-sdb-in-paris-for-a-conference-on-dialogue-and-education-in-islamic-lands/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Conclave: Who will elect the next Pope". Vatican News. 2025-04-29. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-04/conclave-who-will-elect-the-next-pope.html.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Who is Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, a naturalized Paraguayan?". H2FOZ. 2025-04-27. https://www.h2foz.com.br/who-is-cardinal-cristóbal-lópez-romero-a-naturalized-paraguayan/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 "Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, S.D.B.". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_lópez-romero_c.html.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Cristóbal López Romero". La Croix. 2020-11-27. https://cardinaux.la-croix.com/cristobal-lopez-romero/.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Visit from Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero". Missionaries of Africa. 2023-10-26. https://mafrome.org/visit-from-cardinal-cristobal-lopez-romero/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Cristóbal López Romero". Wikipedia (Spanish). 2019-09-02. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristóbal_López_Romero.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Cristóbal Cardinal López Romero". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bloprc.html.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero - Latest news". Catholic News Agency. 2021-06-04. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247708/cardinal-cristóbal-lópez-romero.