Vatican official Cardinal George Pell charged with multiple sexual assault offences
The charges were served on Pells legal representatives in Melbourne on Thursday.
(Web Desk) - Australia’s most senior Catholic and the third highest-ranking official in the Vatican, Cardinal George Pell has been charged with multiple sexual assault offences by the local Police.
As reported by the Guardian, The charges were served on Pell’s legal representatives in Melbourne on Thursday and they have been lodged also at Melbourne magistrates’ court. He has been ordered to appear at the court on 18 July.
Video Courtesy: The Guardian
“Cardinal Pell is facing multiple charges … and there are multiple complainants,” Victoria police’s deputy commissioner Shane Patton said. The charges were “historical sexual assault offences”.
In response to the allegations, however, Pell himself has stepped onto the scene and announced that he would immediately fly back to Australia as soon as possible in an attempt to clear his name. It is interesting to note that George Pell is the highest-ranking Vatican official to be charged in the Catholic Church’s long-running sexual abuse scandal.
Pell’s statement, issued at 4:30am, said: “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,” the statement further read.
Last July, Victoria police confirmed that Pell himself was being investigated on suspicion of child sexual abuse. Pope Francis said at the time that Pell should not undergo trial by media, adding: "It s in the hands of the justice system and one cannot judge before the justice system ... After the justice system speaks, I will speak." But the latest development puts pressure on the pope to make good on promises finally to root out sexual abuse in the Church and act against those who cover it up.
