In a stunning decision certain to rock the highest levels of the Holy See, police in the Australian state of Victoria said there were multiple charges against Cardinal Pell and the case involved “multiple complainants”, APA reported citing The Telegraph.
Cardinal Pell is the Vatican's de facto treasury minister and is the highest-ranking Vatican official to be charged with sexual abuse.
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 has repeatedly insisted he is innocent.
In a statement shortly after the announcement, the Catholic Church in Australia said the cardinal "strenuously denies" the charges.
"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 Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney said in a statement.
"He said he is looking forward to his day in court and will defend the charges vigorously," it said.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
