Australia’s most senior Catholic figure charged with sex offences

Cardinal George Pell, one of the most senior members of the Catholic Church has been charged with multiple historical sexual assault offenses in his home country of Australia.

Pell strenuously denied the allegations in a statement, which said he would return from Rome as soon as possible to "clear his name."

Police have not released a detailed list of charges and did not disclose any information about alleged victims, saying only there was “multiple complainants”.

Victoria Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Patton says he wants to be perfectly clear that the process and the procedures that have been followed in the charging of Cardinal Pell have been the same that have been applied in a whole range of historical sex offenses.

Pell currently serves as a top adviser to Pope Francis and the Vatican's top financial adviser.

In 2013, he was named one of eight cardinals tasked with investigating ways to reform the church.

He is the most senior member of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Sex abuse and cover‑up within the Catholic Church has been documented in the United States, Ireland, Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany and Australia.

Pell is likely the highest‑ranking Catholic official charged in connection with sex abuse in recent years.

Source: CNN