Significance of Mons. Dorado’s Appointment
In a heartfelt response to the recent papal appointment, Cardinal López Romero expressed his enthusiasm for the selection of Mons. Dorado as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Rabat. He characterized this development as "good news" that will enable the Spanish-born Oblate to dedicate his service permanently to the local Church. Cardinal López Romero emphasized that while Mons. Dorado’s previous role as Apostolic Administrator was intended as a temporary measure, his new position as Coadjutor Archbishop indicates a clear path toward succeeding him as Archbishop of Rabat.
“He will be my successor as pastor of this diocese when the Pope accepts my resignation,” remarked Cardinal López Romero. He noted that he is required to submit his resignation by May 2027, marking his 75th birthday. Until that time, the Archbishop-elect will have the invaluable opportunity to immerse himself in the rich tapestry of the Archdiocese and its diverse Catholic community.
Gratitude and Missionary Background
Cardinal López Romero shared his feelings of "great joy and immense gratitude" towards Pope Leo XIV for the appointment, revealing that it followed a previous request he made for a Coadjutor. He elaborated on discussions with Pope Francis about this possibility at the end of 2024, an idea that was subsequently accepted by the late Pontiff. After Pope Francis’ demise, the Cardinal took the initiative to renew this request with Pope Leo XIV in October 2025.
Moreover, the Cardinal praised Mons. Dorado’s extensive missionary experience, highlighting his more than twenty years of devoted service in the Sahara. “Let us give thanks to the Lord for this gift in the person of Father Mario, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, whom I thank for accepting this mission,” Cardinal López Romero stated. Additionally, he addressed the preliminary investigation that had previously led to his temporary withdrawal from diocesan life, expressing his eagerness to clarify the situation before the Dicastery for Evangelization, the Vatican department overseeing the Archdiocese of Rabat.
Cardinal López Romero called upon the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Rabat to warmly welcome their new Coadjutor, urging them to extend the same cooperation that he has received throughout his ministry. “Let us pray for its growth and that its way of being in this country of Morocco may be evangelical,” he concluded, encouraging the faithful to view this appointment as the dawn of "a new page" in the history of the Archdiocese of Rabat.
As reported by aciafrica.org.
