AUSTRALIA
Telegraph (UK)
[with video]
Jonathan Pearlman, sydney
29 JUNE 2017
Police in Australia have charged Cardinal George Pell, one of the most powerful figures in the Vatican and Australia’s most senior Catholic, over historic sex assault offences.
In a stunning decision certain to rock the highest levels of the Holy See, police in the state of Victoria said there were multiple charges against Pell and the case involved “multiple complainants”.
Police have not yet revealed the details of the charges but said the cardinal was required to face court Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18.
“Cardinal Pell is facing multiple charges and there are multiple complainants,” said Victoria police’s deputy commissioner Shane Patton.
“It is important to note that none of the allegations that have been made against Cardinal Pell have, obviously, been tested in any court yet,” Patton told reporters in Melbourne. “Cardinal Pell, like any other defendant, has a right to due process.”
Pell, Pope Francis’ top financial adviser, has repeatedly insisted he is innocent.
In a statement shortly after the announcement, the Catholic Church in Australia said Pell “strenuously denies” the charges.
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