The Vatican Treasurer and top adviser to Pope Francis, Cardinal George Pell, has become the highest-ranking Vatican official to ever be charged in the Catholic Church's long-running sexual abuse scandal.
The 76-year-old, Australia's most senior Catholic cleric, has been summoned to appear in a court in the Australian state of Victoria to face multiple charges of "historical sexual assault offences.”
Widely regarded as the third most senior official in the Vatican, Cardinal Pell was appointed in 2014 to a five-year term to head the Vatican's new economy secretariat.
The role gave him broad rein to control all economic, administrative, personnel and procurement functions of the Holy See, though the mandate has since been restricted to performing more of an oversight role.
Cardinal Pell, who holds a doctorate from Oxford and is a staunch conservative on issues such as homosexuality and abortion, has long been an imposing figure in the Church in Australia and has been heavily criticised for his handling of child sex abuse by Catholic priests.
Victoria Police said they had made the decision to charge Cardinal Pell after receiving advice from prosecutors last month.
"Cardinal Pell is facing multiple charges and there are multiple complainants," Deputy Commissioner Patton said.
The cardinal would be required to face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 18 July, Deputy Commissioner Patton said.
A magistrate court is also set to decide next week whether to release the details and the nature of the charges ahead of the cardinal's court appearance.
The case is the latest black mark against the Catholic Church, which has been reeling from sexual abuse scandals across several countries that date back decades. It could also have ramifications for Pope Francis, who counts Pell among his closest aides.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Pell has repeatedly denied all abuse allegations made against him.
He complained that he had been subjected to "relentless character assassination" during a two-year investigation into the "false" claims.
In a statement released shortly after the charges were announced, Pell said he would “return to Australia, as soon as possible, to clear his name”.
“Although it is still in the early hours of the morning in Rome, Cardinal George Pell has been informed of the decision and action of Victoria police. He has again strenuously denied all allegations.
“Cardinal Pell will return to Australia, as soon as possible, to clear his name following advice and approval by his doctors who will also advise on his travel arrangements.
“He said he is looking forward to his day in court and will defend the charges vigorously," the statement said.
Source: Agency Reports
